The first wave of shared prosperity grants is now open for applications from across the High Peak. 

During the two-year programme, High Peak Borough Council will oversee grants and funding opportunities from the £2.4 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The funding will be allocated via grants, direct Council spend and procurement, with the first two grant schemes now launched. 

Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: “We want to use this funding to tackle local issues, so the interventions we’ve set out in our investment plan allow flexibility to ensure that this money is spent in ways that really benefit our residents and businesses. 

“I’m delighted that we’re now able to start making this funding available and would encourage eligible businesses and groups to get their applications in as soon as possible.” 

The aim of the fund is to focus on increasing life chances for residents and helping to build pride in place. As a result, the fund has three investment priorities: Communities and place, Supporting local business and People and skills. 

The first two grant schemes are: 

• Small feasibility Study Grants - £42,600 for feasibility studies which result in the development of new or enhanced projects. 
• Cultural arts and heritage events – around £5,000 per event is available to voluntary and community organisations and town and parish councils to support local events over the next two years 

Cllr Mckeown said: “I look forward to seeing the ideas and events that come forward and getting this funding to the people that will use it to make a difference. 

“These are just the first two funding opportunities that we will launch over the next two years, so look out for future announcements.” 

The deadline for applications to the first round of the cultural arts and heritage events grant is 17 March.  

Applications for the small feasibility study grants need to be made by 31 March and the studies must be commissioned and completed by 31 May. 

Find out more at www.highpeak.gov.uk/article/7446/UK-Shared-Prosperity-Fund 

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