Community Radio Fund

Published: 25 May 2010
Last updated: 13 May 2025

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has made £900,000 available over the 2025-2026 financial year. Due to the significant uplift, Ofcom has agreed with DCMS that it will administer one round of funding rather than the usual two. The application window for the 2025-26 round is expected to open in early September.

The Fund supports the sustainability of Ofcom-licensed community radio stations as set out in the guidance notes published below. Applicants should read these guidance notes in full before submitting an application.

Community radio stations serve a range of local communities across the UK. Fuelled by the hard work and enthusiasm of volunteers, they reflect a diverse mix of cultures and interests and provide a rich mix of mostly locally produced content.

The Community Radio Fund supports Ofcom-licensed community radio stations, including:

  • Management
  • Fundraising to support the station (eg, grants, commercial funding)
  • Administration
  • Financial management and reporting
  • Community outreach
  • Volunteer organisation and support

Licensees that hold a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence are eligible to apply for the Fund if the station is broadcasting on a digital radio multiplex at the date of their application.

Grants can only be made to Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK, broadcasting on AM, FM, or via a C-DSP licence on a digital radio multiplex. Applications from eligible licence-holders may be submitted in Welsh. Any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English.

For further information, please contact the Community Radio Fund team at communityradiofund@ofcom.org.uk.

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