Community ownership is a key factor in building a fairer economic model*. The current economic system causes, contributes to and exacerbates a myriad of profound and deep inequalities and deprived or marginalised communities are more likely to experience their effects. When communities take control of assets they help to build an economy that is more inclusive of those that have been left behind. Community ownership is a priority for the Greater Manchester strategy and a key focus for GMCVO's work.
The government's £150 million Community Ownership Fund has been set up to help communities in the UK to take ownership of assets at risk of closure. It will run for 4 years until 2024/25.
Voluntary and community organisations can bid for match funding to support the purchase and/or renovation costs of community assets. So far 62 organisations have been successful, you can view a list here.
Round 2 Window 3 of the Community Ownership Fund opened on 15th February and will close on 14th April 2023.
Applicants who passed the EOI stage and are eligible to apply in this bidding window to submit a full application, if the time is right for their project. Applicants will need to submit their full application by 11:59am on 14th April 2023 if they wish to apply in Window 3. If you have passed the EOI stage but do not yet have match funding available, please contact GMCVO's social investment team (details below) to find out about investment to support your project.
If you have not yet submitted an expression of interest, see Community Ownership Fund round 2: how to express your interest in applying.
The prospectus and assessment criteria guidance remain the core guidance documents for applicants to read before submitting their full application. To help applicants see exactly what they need to include in their applications the assessment criteria guidance has been amended to include new guidance on how to complete an application. GMCA strongly advise applicants use this guidance document when assembling their bid and supporting documentation.
GMCA will also be publishing new information on the development support provider who were contracted in December. This includes information on the early stage support which is now available to applicants via the My Community website. This information clarifies what support is now available to applicants and what in-depth support will come in the next bidding round.
To find out more about how GMCVO can provide you with investment to match funding from the Community Ownership Fund and support you through the application process, please contact the social investment team:
0161 277 1007
