Community Radio Fund

Description

Grants are available to support the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK that are currently broadcasting.

Current Status: Open for Applications

Maximum value: Discretionary

Objectives of Fund

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

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.

Grants will be made as a single lump sum and must be spent within 14 months.

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.

To learn about this fund please visit https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/information-for-industry/radio-broadcasters/community-radio-fund