Grants: Village Communities

East Hampshire Village Community Grants

East Hampshire District Council is offering a Village Business Grant that aims to  support the devlopment of the economy in village and rural communities of East Hampshire, outside the urban areas of Alton, Horndean, Petersfield and Whitehill Bordon.

There are three types of support that this grant aid is aimed at:

• To enable the growth and retention of businesses in rural communities. For example, to secure the continued operation of the only remaining shop, post office or other business that is considered essential to the community and economic well being of village life.
  
• To encourage the creation of events and activities that can improve the economic life of a village and bring people together to improve community cohesion.
  
• Projects and schemes where business or trade groups can act together to improve the local economy. For example, to improve community safety, develop promotions, create web sites, generate local business directories, introduce specialised training and opportunities for young people.
  

The East Hampshire Community Village Grant scheme provides grants of up to £5000 for each proposal. Local matched funding will be necessary to secure the grant.

The Village Business Grant scheme is funded through the application of the Local Authority Business Incentive Grant (LABGIG). The LABGIG is an annual award that is to be supported by Government for a three year period. Local Councils can choose how to spend this grant. East Hampshire District Council has decided to focus this year’s grant towards encouraging economic development.

For more information on the Village Community Grants please contact East Hampshire District Council, Economic Development Office on 01730 234168 or send an email to: enterprise@easthants.gov.uk  

The Village Community Grants Scheme

Supporting village communities across rural Hampshire

Hampshire County Council is working together with East Hampshire District Council and other partners to include Community Action Hampshire and the South East Development Agency (SEEDA) to deliver the Village Community Grant Scheme.

The scheme is targeted primarily at villages with fewer than 5,000 residents, with applications welcome from community associations, village shop associations, parish or district councils and formal voluntary associations. Private businesses can also apply if they have the written support of their parish council. 

For more information on the Village Community Grants Scheme, the sort of projects that will be funded and the application process, please visit the Hampshire County Council Grants pages.