Coastal Communities Fund – New Applications Invited from England

The Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) is supporting the development of coastal areas, promoting sustainable economic growth and jobs, so that people are better able to respond to changing economic needs and opportunities.

The Government has committed £27.8 million to support the CCF in 2013-14 with money generated by the Crown Estate’s marine assets. The Fund is UK-wide; however, different levels of funding have been allocated to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on the basis of revenue generated.

£21.7 million funding is available in England for 2013-14 and applications for new projects are being invited from today. Individual funding awards of over £50,000 are available for projects lasting up to two years.

The funds can be used to support both capital and revenue projects and communities will be encouraged to match funds with other pots of money.

Examples of activities that may be eligible for funding include:

• supporting skills and training initiatives to improve job prospects;
• maintaining and developing specialised tourist infrastructure;
• managing and adapting to flood and coastal erosion risk;
• supporting social enterprises to bring new economic opportunities and jobs;
• offering apprenticeships to school leavers;
• creating new workspaces to support and grow local economies;
• boosting local approaches to promoting enterprise and economic regeneration; and
• supporting sustainable transport improvements.

Innovative bids will be welcomed from businesses, social enterprises, local enterprise partnerships, charities, voluntary groups and local authorities supporting economic development within the community.

Applicants with projects proposed for England are required to submit a stage one application by 13 May 2013.