Applications open for Community Renewal Fund

Organisations can now apply to the Community Renewal Fund to support projects aimed at helping Cornwall’s towns and rural areas to thrive and make the most of digital connectivity. 

Up to £3 million funding is now open for application from projects that will invest in support for local businesses, communities, skills and employment opportunities.  

Organisations have until Friday 7 May to submit their applications. Projects will have to demonstrate they support one of the two priority areas of ‘town centre, rural and coastal vitality’ and ‘reducing the digital divide’. 

The Council will host a webinar at 10am on Monday 19 April to provide more information and answer questions about the fund. Anyone interested can register at [email protected] 

The first priority is to support projects demonstrating innovation in service delivery that will tackle town centre decline and deprivation in Cornwall’s rural and coastal areas, whilst meeting the needs of a locally driven green and digital economy.  

The second priority aims to address the challenges faced by members of our community around a lack of access to, or confidence to use, digital technology, and maximise the development of opportunities presented through digital approaches for communities and businesses. 

To be considered, projects will need to be of a minimum value of £500,000, demonstrate an innovative approach and deliver their activity by March 2022.  

More information, including FAQs, links to guidance documents and the application form, is available on the Council’s website. 

Anyone wanting more information can also contact the Council’s Economic Development team [email protected]  

Emily Kent, Cornwall Council’s Head of Economy Skills & Culture said: “Our local businesses and community have been severely impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“This funding offers a chance to support projects that will make a real difference locally, opening new opportunities offered by our digital connectivity, supporting employment and businesses in our towns and rural communities. 

“We are looking forward to receiving innovative proposals that will build on our assets and contribute to shape a brighter future for Cornwall.” 

As the chosen Lead Authority for Cornwall, Cornwall Council will be responsible for assessing, prioritising, and submitting bids to Government. It is expected that the successful bids will be announced in late July 2021 to enable projects to start shortly after