Cornwall Council has announced that the next round of funding for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is now live with a focus on projects that are benefiting local communities.

Organisations that are focused on improving the quality of life for residents, helping them with the cost of living, or initiatives developing clean energy and geo-resources could all have opportunities for funding.

The three new funding categories now open to applicants are:  

• Strategies to Mitigate the Cost of Living (£5.5m) - Community programmes to improve energy efficiency and the creation of, or improvements to, local green and blue spaces. 
• Strategic Sector Development (£3.75m) - Development of high growth, high potential sectors in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, focussing on; clean energy, geo-resources, data and space, visitor economy and agri-food. 
• Community Organisation Fund (£2.7m) – For local organisations to deliver projects and activities that improve the quality of life for their residents and build better connections for communities. 

Organisations are encouraged to find out more about these new funding opportunities on the Good Growth website and submit applications for projects that will deliver good growth, boost productivity and improve life for residents. Advice and support are also available for applicants to develop their bids. 

Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: "This new round of funding is for community programmes and local organisations that deliver timely and tangible benefits to improve the lives of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly residents. If you are part of a community programme or organisation that is working to put in place energy efficiency measures to help residents cope with cost-of-living issues or to develop green spaces that are so important for health and wellbeing, then we want to hear from you.

"There are also new grants available from a £3.75 million fund to deliver initiatives that drive good growth in areas like clean energy production. Please visit the Good Growth website to find out more about these and all the other opportunities available, to see if your organisation can apply for a Shared Prosperity Fund grant that could make all the difference." 

Cllr Steve Sims, Lead Member for Economy, Tourism & Transport, said: "This is a great opportunity for island business and community groups who are looking to grow. You may think this type of thing is for someone else: it's not - it's for you if you have a plan for growth but want a bit of a push." 

Any organisation with legal status can apply for funding including businesses, partnerships, social enterprises, charities, CICs, and town and parish councils. As with previous rounds, all projects must be completed by the end of March 2025. 

The funding opportunities are part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund, which has received £132m for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to spend on local investment until March 2025. Funding will be focussed on three priorities: Community and Place, Support for Local Business, and People and Skills. 

The Good Growth Fund launched in Summer 2022 and many funding opportunities from the first round remain open for applications. 

You can find more information or apply here: Home - Shared Prosperity Fund.