News Community organisations can apply for rural grants
Community organisations in rural areas are being encouraged to apply for a share of £404,796 as part of the second phase of the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) which is part of the Levelling Up agenda.
The ‘REPF’ grants for Maidstone were introduced to support rural communities to help modernise assets, provide multiuse spaces to improve health, wellbeing and reduce rural loneliness, whilst having a positive impact on the local environment and contribute towards net zero. The funds will also help reduce utility costs of community facilities with any savings being passed on to the users of the facility.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) was allocated £539,728 to spend between April 2023 and March 2025 to be awarded to projects for rural communities across the borough. As part of the first phase £134,932 was allocated to four rural projects.
Cllr Claudine Russell, MBC Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Arts said:
“I really would urge as many community organisations in rural areas as possible to apply for this money, during this second phase they can apply for grants of up to £50,000 which will make a massive difference to those areas.“The money could be used to upgrade a facility and improve the local environment and make it more sustainable, supporting the rural economy into the future.”
“To help answer any questions community groups might have, we have arranged a free webinar to support people with their application on, Wednesday 6 December 2023 6pm-7pm.”
This introductory webinar will summarise the REPF, highlight key information, provide details of phase one’s successful projects and answer any questions you may have.
Please email ruralfund@maidstone.gov.uk to attend the introductory webinar and the team will send across the joining information. To help the team cover all your questions on this webinar please send over any questions you have in advance.
Applications for phase two will open on Monday 27 November. For further information, including details of phase one’s successful projects, grant criteria, application details and a guidance document here:
Shared Prosperity Fund | Maidstone Borough Council
The closing date for applications is Monday 22 January 2024.
To discuss any aspect of the Rural England Prosperity Fund before applying, or if you need guidance to complete the application form, please contact us by emailing: ruralfund@Maidstone.gov.uk
This project – ‘REPF’ received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Information about UKSPF can be found at: