The Community Radio Fund is a grant funding scheme created to support Ofcom licensed community radio stations. It is allocated by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and managed by Ofcom.
Community radio stations serve a wide range of local communities across the UK. Powered by the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers, they reflect a rich diversity of cultures and interests, and provide a broad mix of largely locally produced content.
In DCMS’s Local Media Action Plan, it was announced that £1,000,000 of funding would available to strengthen community radio for each of the next three financial years. For 2026–27, the total funding available through the Community Radio Fund is £900,000. A further £100,000 has been ringfenced by DCMS for sector-wide initiatives to support the community radio sector.
Due to this significant uplift in funding, Ofcom will administer one funding round per financial year.
Important changes
This year, the Community Radio Fund will include two funding streams. The existing stream has been re-named the Sustainability Stream and will continue to operate as usual supporting job roles and projects that enhance the long-term viability of stations. In addition, a dedicated Equipment Stream will be available to analogue community radio licensees that have been on air for at least 10 years. Each stream has distinct eligibility criteria, so applicants should carefully review the newly updated guidance notes to determine eligibility and the types of costs that can be supported (these may be subject to minor alternations, therefore prospective applicants are requested to download a copy of the guidance notes again in early September).
We are also introducing the option of multi-year applications for the Sustainability Fund. Stations may apply for funding for projects or roles lasting up to a maximum of three years in this round only. However, applications for any length are welcomed whether that’s a couple of months up to three years. We will only fund a limited amount of multi-year bids due to administrative and financial constraints therefore any muti-year bid will need to clearly justify the need in its application.
Available funding for 2026/27
|
Sustainability Fund |
£800,000 |
|
Equipment Fund |
£100,000 |
Applications
Grants can only be awarded to Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK, broadcasting on AM, FM, or via a Community Digital Sound Programme licence on a digital radio multiplex.
A new application form will be published on the Community Radio Fund website to coincide with the opening of the round in early September (date to be announced). Applicants must use the most up-to-date version of the form; submissions made using outdated forms may be rejected.
We strongly recommend that applicants review the panel’s “issue of note” from the previous funding round and incorporate this feedback into their applications.
Award of Grants
If an application is deemed ineligible, applicants will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date. However, resubmissions will not be permitted, so we strongly encourage applicants to carefully check and, where possible, peer review their applications before submission.