Funding to support the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK that are currently broadcasting.
The Community Radio Fund is managed by Ofcom with funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Grants can only be made to Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK, broadcasting on AM, FM, or via a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence on a digital radio multiplex.
A total of £378,533 is available for the winter 2021/22 round. There is no set level of funding. In the last round, grants ranged from £2,000 up to £19,760 with an average of £9,629.
The funding can support the core costs of running Ofcom licensed community radio stations including:
- Management
- Fundraising to support the station (eg, grants, commercial funding)
- Administration
- Financial management and reporting
- Community outreach
- Volunteer organisation and support
Applicant stations must be on air as at the date of their application for their application to be considered by the Panel. Payment can only be made to stations that have launched.
This is a very competitive grants programme with many more requests for funding than can be awarded.
The deadline for applications is 7 January 2022 (5pm).
How To Apply
Applications will be accepted from 1 December 2021 to 7 January 2022 (5pm).
Depending on the number of applications received, the Community Radio Fund Panel expects to meet in February 2022 to consider the applications.
All relevant documents can be found on Ofcom's website and on the Community Radio Fund web page.
Applicants are encouraged to read the new guidance notes published on 1 December 2021.
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
- Community Radio Team
Ofcom
2A Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 981 3002
Email: [email protected]