VENTNOR EXCHANGE AWARDED £20,000 TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE IN RURAL FUNDING BOOST

Ventnor Exchange is set to benefit from a £20,000 grant, as part of a national programme supporting rural communities across the UK.

This new funding is aimed at empowering rural communities to develop community-led solutions that increase their resilience and sustainability, unlocking the huge potential for positive change in the countryside. The funding programme was aimed at innovative solutions that “power up, not prop up” communities, inspiring change and encouraging economic vibrancy.

Organisations could apply for grants of up to £25,000 over a period of 24 months to deliver activities around four key funding themes, which are crucial to the survival of rural communities: keeping young people in the countryside, powering up rural communities, increasing environmental sustainability, and building emergency resilience in rural areas.

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The RCF has now announced the eight rural community organisations which will receive funding over the next two years, one of which is Ventnor Exchange.

The South Wight-based community interest company, which works to develop the creative potential of young people, has been awarded £20,000. The funding will support the development of a bespoke education and training programme for young people, providing employment and learning opportunities.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director, RCF, said:

 “With these latest grants, we want to power up rural communities across the whole of the UK – from the Isle of Wight to the Scottish Highlands, and from Northern Ireland to North Norfolk. We received so many excellent applications, which is a testament both to the incredible untapped potential and energy of our rural communities, but also to the urgent need for more support.

“As with all our funding, we have chosen projects which are community-led and run by local people who understand the challenges and opportunities we face. We want to combine their local knowledge and passion with our funding and support, to deliver real and lasting change together. We’re also excited to welcome them into our Confident Rural Communities Network, which brings together organisations from across the UK to share ideas, resources and inspire one another.

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For further details on the RCF’s work and to view available funding, please visit the RCF website: https://www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/how-we-help/rural-communities/