Aims/priorities: This funding aims to support the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations.
In addition, Community Digital Sound Programme (“C-DSP”) stations will be eligible for grants, alongside existing analogue community radio stations, if the station is broadcasting on a digital radio multiplex at the date of their application.
Who can apply? 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.
Applicant stations must be on air as of the date of their application for their application to be considered by the Panel. Payment can only be made to stations that have launched.
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.
For analogue community radio stations, there should be a minimum of fifteen months remaining on the licence from the closing date for applications. If there are less than fifteen months remaining on the licence, the licensee must have submitted an extension application to Ofcom by the closing date. C-DSP licences do not have an end date.
Grant amount: A total of £400,000 is available over the 2024-25 financial year. Approximately half of this will be allocated per round.
There is no set level of funding. However, in the previous funding round, grants ranged from approximately £4,000 to £33,000.
Grants will be made as a single lump sum and must be spent within 14 months.
Application process: Guidance notes and an application form are available from the Ofcom website.
Completed applications should be submitted by email.
Deadline: Sunday 8 December 2024.
Contact information: Email: communityradiofund@ofcom.org.uk
Website: Community Radio Fund - Ofcom