This page contains links to various sources of funding available in rural areas. It is not necessarily a comprehensive list, and you may be able to find other sources of funding or support, for example via your local district council or a charity or business.
Businesses looking for funding should also visit the LLEP Business Gateway website for information about business support and funding available.
Community Groups are also advised to visit the Leicestershire Communities website.
Funding for Rural Communities
The SHIRE Community Grant programme enables voluntary and community sector organisations (including social enterprises and Town/Parish Councils) to deliver community-based projects, services and activities which directly benefit the most vulnerable people in Leicestershire.
SHIRE Environment Grants of up to £3,000 are available for community based projects an activities in Leicestershire which help to improve the local environment through waste prevention, reducing carbon and improving biodiversity.
Rural Development Funding & Advice
Rural Services Network - Rural Funding Digest March 2023
Information on funding and other issues relevant to rural services in the county.
Farming Resilience Fund: free business advice for your farm
Basic Payment recipients can get free advice from organisations during the changes in farming.
With the Agricultural Transition now well underway in England and the Basic Payment Scheme being phased out, funds are being redirected to a suite of new schemes. The below document provides an outline of current and future schemes from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which can be accessed in 2023.
Defra Farm Support Schemes in 2022/23 (PDF, 184 Kb)
Digital Leicestershire
Digital Leicestershire (formerly Superfast Leicestershire) is a project to bring superfast broadband to as many premises in Leicestershire as possible. It is expected that more than 72,000 additional premises will be able to receive high speed broadband with a minimum speed of at least 24Mbps.
Phase 3 of the contract with Openreach is currently in its delivery phase. If you are unsure whether your area is connected check on the Digital Leicestershire 'When and Where' page.
Useful Information
Below are links to some local strategy and research documents which may help you in making an application.
Leicester-Shire and Rutland Statistics & Research (LSR)
LSR is a partnership site providing open access to data, maps and reports about the communities in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
