The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Community Radio Fund, which has a budget of just under £400,000 for 2022/23, is designed to support the core costs of operating Ofcom licensed community radio stations including (please note this is not an exclusive list):
o Administration costs.
o Community outreach projects.
o Financial management and reporting.
o Fundraising, such as commercial sponsorship, donations and grants).
o Management costs, and
o Volunteer support (but not volunteer expenses).
Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) stations may also apply for grant support alongside existing analogue community radio stations if the station is broadcasting on a digital radio multiplex at the time of their application.
Please note that analogue community radio stations must have a minimum of 15 months remaining on their licence from 10th June 2022 (i.e. up to 10 September 2023). If there are less than 15 months remaining on the licence, the licensee must have submitted an extension application to Ofcom by the closing date of 10th June 2022. C-DSP licences do not have an end date. All applying stations must be on air at the date of their application
While the Fund does not have a minimum or maximum grant award level, grants are expected to range from £5,000 to £25,000, with an average award of £15,000.
Further information, guidance and an application form, which should be returned by email to communityradiofund(at)ofcom.org.uk, can be found on the Ofcom website.
The deadline for applications is Friday 10th June 2022. Successful applicants are expected to be notified by August 2022.