Grants are available to support the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK that are currently broadcasting.
After providing emergency cash funding in 2020-21 to support stations facing severe financial difficulty due to the pandemic, the Fund has returned to its normal programme.
For 2021-22, the funding aims to support the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations on the condition that the station has a social purpose and works to involve the local community in the running and providing of the service.
In addition, Community Digital Sound Programme (“C-DSP”) stations will be eligible for grants, alongside existing analogue community radio stations, if the station is broadcasting on a digital radio multiplex at the date of their application.
Value Notes
There is a total of £400,000 for grants for the 2021-22 year.
There is no set level of funding. In the past grants have ranged from about £2,000 to around £39,000.
Who Can Apply
Licensees that hold a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence are eligible to apply for the Fund if the station is broadcasting on a digital radio multiplex at the date of their application.
Grants can only be made to Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK, broadcasting on AM, FM, or via a C-DSP licence on a digital radio multiplex.
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.
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding:
Capital expenditure/equipment (for the office, studio, transmission etc.)
Vehicle costs
Volunteer expenses
Cost of building repairs, construction or maintenance
Programming or marketing costs
Utility bills
Rent and/or mortgage payments
Licence fees or copyright fees (such as PPL/PRS or software fees)
Fees payable to Ofcom (including but not limited to application and licence fees
Retrospective grants i.e. to cover expenditure already incurred
Costs associated with launching a radio station
Costs relating to another licence type held by the licensee i.e. a small-scale digital radio multiplex
Funding for the repayment of loans
Company directors’ fees
Costs reimbursed or to be reimbursed by funding from other public authorities or from the private sector
Interest payments (including service charge payments for finance leases)
Statutory fines, criminal fines or penalties
Eligible Expenditure
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
How To Apply
Applications will be accepted from 28 May to 25 June 2021 (5pm). The panel is expected to meet in August 2021 to consider applications, dependent upon the volume of applications received in this funding round.
Applicants are encouraged to read the new guidance notes published in May 2021 for the 2021-22 round.
All relevant documents can be found on the website below.
For more information visit http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/radio/community-radio-fund