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UK's Community Radio Fund 25-26

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What is the grant available for?

Ofcom is expected to 'shortly' announce more details about how they will manage the process for the 2025/26 fund, which will open for bids in September 2025.

Ofcom-licensed community radio stations broadcasting on AM, FM, or by a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) license on a digital radio multiplex can apply for grants to help with the essential core work involved in running a radio station.

Rather than the usual two funding rounds per year, there will be one funding round this year which is expected to open in early September 2025.

The grants can be used for:

  • Management.
  • Fundraising to support the station (eg, grants, commercial funding).
  • Administration.
  • Financial management and reporting.
  • Community outreach.
  • Volunteer organisation and support.

Capital or Revenue or Both?

Revenue.

Any eligibility criteria

Grants can only be made to Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK, broadcasting on AM, FM, or via a C-DSP licence on a digital radio multiplex.

Licensees that hold a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence are eligible to apply for the Fund if the station is broadcasting on a digital radio multiplex at the date of their application.

Applicants should read these guidance notes in full before submitting an application.

Any required delivery targets / outcome required

Licensees that receive a grant will be required to report on how it has been spent halfway through the grant tenure, after the tenure has finished, and (if applying for a further grant within the tenure of the existing grant) with any future application for a grant.

If a satisfactory report is not made, Ofcom may require repayment of the grant and will not normally consider making a further grant to a Licensee. 

What grant amounts are available?

Although there is no set amount, grants are usually in the range of £5,000 to £30,000.

Who provides the grant?

The Community Radio Fund.

How to apply for the grant?

Click here and read the guidance notes for details on applying for the grant. 

Contact information:

Ofcom's Community Radio Fund

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/community-radio/community-radio-fund

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