First wave of shared prosperity grants now open

Published on 2 March 2023

High Peak Borough Council is inviting applications for the first grants and funding opportunities to be made available from the £2.4m UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The two-year programme aims to increase life chances for residents and help to build pride in place based on three investment priorities:

·       Communities and place

·       Supporting local business

·       People and skills

The funding will be allocated via grants, direct Council spend and procurement - and the first two grant schemes have now been launched:

·       Small feasibility Study Grants - £42,600 is available for feasibility studies which result in the development of new or enhanced projects

·       Cultural arts and heritage events - around £5,000 per event is available to voluntary and community organisations and town and parish councils to support local events over the next two years

Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: "We want to use this funding to tackle local issues, so the interventions we've set out in our investment plan allow flexibility to ensure that this money is spent in ways that really benefit our residents and businesses.

"I'm delighted that we're now able to start making this funding available and would encourage eligible businesses and groups to get their applications in as soon as possible.

"I look forward to seeing the ideas and events that come forward and getting this funding to the people that will use it to make a difference.

"These are just the first two funding opportunities that we will launch over the next two years, so look out for future announcements."

The deadline for applications to the first round of the cultural arts and heritage events grant is 17 March. Applications for the small feasibility study grants need to be made by 31 March and the studies must be commissioned and completed by 31 May.

Find out more at www.highpeak.gov.uk/article/7446/UK-Shared-Prosperity-Fund