Round 2, Window 3 of the Community Ownership Fund opened to applications at midnight on Wednesday 15th February 2023.
The Community Ownership Fund helps community groups buy or renovate assets that would otherwise be lost to the community.
Assets are venues and meeting spaces used by the local community, such as:
- community centres
- cinemas and theatres
- galleries
- museums
- music venues
- parks
- post office buildings
- pubs
- shops
- sporting and leisure facilities
Some of the ways an asset might be lost include that it:
- might be closed
- might be sold
- is being neglected
- is at risk of damage or collapse
- is not being operated in a sustainable way
The asset must offer value to local people. Applicants must demonstrate how they will be able to run it sustainably for the long term.
In order to apply, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) . This is a short form that lets us tell you if you’re eligible within 3 weeks of submitting your EOI. The EOI stage is new in round 2. Successful applications at the EoI stage will be invited to submit a full application.
Anyone from England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland can express an interest in applying. The process is the same in all areas.
Further information about the Fund, including a Prospectus, is available on the GOV.UK website.
We’ll be providing fuller details about the Community Ownership Fund in our daily grants bulletin.
