Community radio stations are being given a third chance to apply for emergency funding to help them through the Covid-19 crisis.

Ofcom recognises that community radio stations have provided a reassuring voice to millions of people during the ongoing public health crisis, but many have faced severe financial difficulties. In response, the UK Government announced emergency funding to help them meet the costs of providing vital programming to local communities. Ofcom administered two rounds of funding earlier this year with grants provided to 111 successful applicants totalling £406,810. These grants were awarded by the Community Radio Fund Panel, which is independent of Ofcom.

Due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, an additional £200,000 has now been made available by the DCMS for a third funding round in 2020-21 to support community radio stations that are taking steps to tackle loneliness and isolation within their communities.

Applications are now open for grants of up to £7,500. Any applications requesting greater than £7,500 will not be considered by the Panel.

Before applying, Ofcom is encouraging all applicants to review its Guidance Notes for Round Three of the fund and the Panel’s published approach and reasoning behind its decisions on applications from Round One and Round Two. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on 14 January 2021.

Applicants that have already received funding from any of the £750 million Covid-19 Charities Package, including through other Government departments, the Community Match Challenge, the Covid-19 Community Support Fund or the Big Night In, will not be eligible to receive this funding. For further information, click here.