Community Grant Scheme and Supporting Local Business Grant Scheme
Update: Rural England Prosperity Fund – Grant Allocation for 2025/2026
Thank you to everyone who applied to the Rural England Prosperity Fund. We have now completed the assessment of applications for the 2025/2026 funding round, and the funding stream is fully spent and closed to new applications.
Business Grants
- We received 16 applications from local businesses, including CICs and sole traders.
- Projects covered a wide mix of activity, including new equipment, vehicles, IT upgrades, business expansion, digital improvements, new services, and skills or education outreach.
- 8 New Forest businesses have been awarded funding.
Community Grants
- We received 30 applications from community organisations.
- Projects focused on upgrading or refurbishing community buildings to improve accessibility, energy efficiency, and usability for a wider range of residents.
- 10 New Forest community organisations have been awarded funding
Thank you to all applicants for your time and the work you do in the New Forest.
For more information visit: Rural England Prosperity Fund guidance - New Forest District Council
If you would like to receive news on future funding opportunities when they become available, please sign up to receive our business newsletter or visit our webpage: Business support and advice - New Forest District Council
Data Protection
We will store the information provided in your response securely, and in line with data protection laws. Details of submitted bids will be made available on our website, but we will not share or publish any personal details.
New Forest District Council respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. Further details of our Privacy Notice can be found on our website. Please also note the specific Go Vocal Privacy Policy.
Phases
Community Grant Scheme and Supporting Local Business Grant Scheme
Here you can find our frequently asked questions and answers document and the applicant declaration form which must be signed and uploaded with the application.
Applications were open from Monday 2 June – Monday 30 June 2025 (until midnight) Community organisations and businesses were able to apply for grants ranging from £2,000 - £10,000.