Grants Up for Grabs: £1000s Available for Cotswold Businesses and Community Initiatives
Cotswold District Council is calling on local businesses, community groups, and organisations to seize the opportunity to secure funding through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for the 2025/26 financial year.
The council is seeking projects that can boost the local economy, enhance community well-being, or create new opportunities in the Cotswolds, with a deadline of 28 March 2025.
The innovative and impactful projects should align with one or more of the following investment priorities:
- Communities and Place: Enhancing public spaces, cultural offerings, and community facilities.
- Support for Local Business: Helping businesses grow, innovate, and become more sustainable.
- People and Skills: Boosting employability, skills development, and access to job opportunities.
The unique opportunity will bring ideas to life and make a tangible difference in the local community. It is open to a variety of businesses, including those looking to expand, charities aiming to improve local services, and community groups with a vision to transform public spaces.
Cllr Tristan Wilkinson, cabinet member for economy and environment, said, "We want to support projects that create lasting benefits for our communities, businesses, and local economy. If you have an initiative that can drive positive change in the Cotswolds, I strongly encourage you to apply. This funding could be the key to making it happen."
Interested parties should complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form, available on the Cotswold District Council website. The form requires details about the proposed project, its objectives, expected outcomes, and alignment with UKSPF priorities. Completed forms must be submitted via email to Paul James, Economic Development Lead, at paul.james@cotswold.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday, 28 March 2025.
Contact Information
Cotswold District Council Communications Team
Notes to editors
Notes to editors:
UK Shared Prosperity Fund:
The UKSPF is a government initiative designed to drive economic growth and strengthen community cohesion. For 2025/26, Cotswold District Council has been allocated £327,146, with £120,000 specifically available for new projects. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £25,000, with funding split evenly between capital and revenue expenditures. A minimum of 20% match funding is required, and all projects must be completed by the end of February 2026.
Photographed:
The former House of Fraser building in Cirencester, taken over by the Grace Network in 2024 and transformed into a social enterprise hub, received over £70,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Funding through Cotswold District Council.
Other projects to be funded through UKSPF include a new website for the Cotswold Lakes area (formerly the Cotswold Water Park), the restoration of the Redesdale Hall in Moreton-in-Marsh, improvements to village halls across the district, support for businesses delivered through the Growth Hub and a countywide initiative designed to get people back into work.