There are 22 funding prizes up for grabs: 11 x £5,000 grants, 6 x £2,500 grants and 5 x £1,000 grants to the winning rural projects. We’re also giving £500 to every finalist who doesn’t receive one of the main grants. Exciting stuff.
Applications are now closed for the Rural Community Fund. Public supporting will start on Wednesday 9th June. Register for updates so you don’t miss out!
New Prize for 2021 - Rural Hero of the Year!
11 projects to be funded
6 projects to be funded
5 projects to be funded
Here's what to expect, step by step:
Natter, write, send
You’ve submitted your application and now applications are closed. Register for updates ready for when public supporting begins on Wednesday 26th May.
Time's up
And stop. Fingers off your mouse. Application submissions have now closed. If you meet and pass our eligibility criteria and diligence checks, it’ll soon be time to publicly make some noise about your project.
Form a community huddle
From 9am on 9th June 2021, involve all of your community and ask them to support your project. Getting donations through crowdfunding will start you off well, but to add an extra cherry on the cake, your project will receive 1 point for every like and share and 10 points when someone donates*. Projects with the highest scores will go through to the finals and will be in with a chance of winning a slice of Calor’s £85,000 funding pot. *see terms and conditions for more info. You can also utilise our Facebook frame to spread the word about your community project, download yours here.
Feet up and wait
And that’s a wrap. At 5pm on 7th July 2021, the supporting stage will come to an end. The digital whizzes will be hard at work to get everything in line for the next step and further due diligence checks will take place on all shortlisted projects.
A peak at the finalists
On 28th July 2021, we’ll announce our finalists for each of the three funding categories.
Judges do their thing
A panel of impartial judges will decide which projects will receive funding from the Rural Community Fund’s £85,000 pot.
The great reveal
And the winners are… On 11th August 2021, this year’s winners will be announced.
Splash the cash
Projects who’ve received funding through the crowd will be awarded their donations. And once the winners have been announced, the funds from Calor will be distributed. It's then time for your community to spend, spend, spend! The finalists who aren’t successful will also receive a £500 pledge from Calor to help them along the way.
Tips to get your project to the top
In it for the long run? We like the sound of that. Let’s cut to the chase. You already know your project is set to make a huge impact to your community. But… where to start when it comes to letting everyone know how incredible your project really is? Most importantly, how do you keep your project on track in the long-term? We’re here to help your community project move forward for continuing success. Here you’ll find some hints and tips to help your project along the way.