Rural England Prosperity Fund guidance

The New Forest Rural England Prosperity Fund has now allocated all of its funding and the scheme is closed to new applications. 

There is no indication from government as to further funding.

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This will keep you updated should the situation change or when new support schemes are announced. 

We also publish information on grants and loans for existing businesses.

Background

We were originally allocated £540,115 from the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025. The governance and mechanisms for the allocation of that funding was agreed at meetings of Cabinet in March and July 2023.  

This money has now been spent.  

In late March 2025, we were notified that a further £162,005 was allocated to the district for the financial year 2025-2026.  

Community Grant Scheme and Supporting Local Business Grant Scheme 

£50,000 has been allocated to the Community Grant Scheme and £57,00 has been allocated to the Supporting Local Business Grant Scheme. 

When the application window opens in early June 2025, community organisations and businesses will be able to apply for grants ranging from £2,000 to £10,000.  

Find out about the grant criteria.