Ventnor Exchange has secured £20,000 from a national funding initiative aimed at strengthening rural communities across Britain.
The Isle of Wight organisation was one of eight across the UK to benefit from the Royal Countryside Fund’s latest grant distribution, which totalled £194,538.
The UK-wide charity works alongside farming families and rural communities to provide essential support and funding for thriving rural areas.
Ventnor Exchange receives significant grant
Ventnor Exchange, a community interest company working to develop the creative potential of young people on the Isle of Wight, has received a £20,000 award.
Their bid aimed to respond to the challenge of ‘keeping young people in the countryside’ with new opportunities, jobs and training linked to the new Arena venue.
National initiative targets rural challenges
The Royal Countryside Fund distributed grants of up to £25,000 to projects addressing four key rural issues over a 24-month period.
Successful applications demonstrated approaches to retaining young people in countryside areas, strengthening community resilience, improving environmental sustainability, and building emergency preparedness.
The charity specifically sought community-led initiatives that would “power up, not prop up” rural areas across the United Kingdom.
Strong response highlights rural needs
Keith Halstead, Executive Director of the Royal Countryside Fund, described the overwhelming response to the funding call. He explained,
“We received so many excellent applications, which is a testament both to the incredible untapped potential and energy of our rural communities, but also to the urgent need for more support.”
The successful projects span from the Isle of Wight to the Scottish Highlands, covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Building networks for long-term impact
Grant recipients will join the Confident Rural Communities Network, connecting organisations across the UK to share resources and ideas. Mr Halstead said
“We want to combine their local knowledge and passion with our funding and support, to deliver real and lasting change together.”
The Royal Countryside Fund celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, having invested over £12 million in more than 500 rural community projects since its establishment.
