The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme is funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme. The Scheme opened on 1 October 2021 and will remain open for applications until 22 October 2021.
Micro Capital Grants of between £200 and £1,500 are available to rural community-led, voluntary organisations for projects tackling issues of local poverty and/or social isolation. The total project cost must not exceed £3,000. Projects must clearly address an issue of rural poverty and/or social isolation and applicants must provide a minimum of 15% match funding.
Projects must focus on one of the following three themes:
- Modernisation (of premises and/or assets);
- Information Communication Technology;
- Health and Wellbeing.
In recognition of the impact of Covid-19, and the need for investment to re-open and safely operate venues, eligible costs may include structural alterations. Goods which have a degree of permanence (anticipated to have a life beyond one year) or can be permanently affixed to the venue may also be considered eligible.
The scheme is being delivered by the Rural Support Networks on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Application forms, guidance notes and further advice and information is available from your local Rural Support Network.