Rural Grant Fund
Working with our partners to add value and provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities across our county.
Rural Grant Fund
Herefordshire County BID’s Rural Grant Fund supports economic growth across rural areas through targeted funding for visitor-focused projects. We work with local organisations and groups to strengthen the rural visitor economy.
The Rural Grant Fund offers up to £10,000 per year for eligible projects. Projects must improve the visibility and viability of rural businesses to potential visitors. We aim to boost the local economy and promote Herefordshire’s unique rural offer and agritourism.
Grants must show clear benefits to the visitor economy and encourage partnership working. Let’s work together to grow Herefordshire’s rural destinations.
Aims Of The Grant Fund
- Increase footfall, dwell time and spend
- Promote Herefordshire as a destination to visit, live and work
- Develop stronger partnerships across the county to deliver more opportunities for the Herefordshire visitor economy
- Deliver promotional campaigns to highlight the range and quality of businesses within Herefordshire
Examples Of Projects That Could Be Funded Via This Scheme ( not an exhaustive list)
- Projects making it easier for visitors to access rural businesses
- Rural events such as outdoor cinemas
- Marketing projects
Application Process
- Submit your application at least 8 weeks before your project starts.
- For events, apply as early as possible to allow time for review.
- Use the online application form and include all required documents by the deadline.
- Incomplete applications may not be considered.
- If you can’t provide accounts or a balance sheet, include a business plan or strategy with supporting documents.
- HCBID Ltd may request additional information to help assess your application.
- If approved, we’ll send you an offer email with the grant amount and any conditions.
- Accept the offer by signing and returning the email within the stated timeframe.
- You may begin your project once we receive the signed offer letter.
- Keep all project paperwork, including invoices, for your final report.
- Submit a final report after the project ends.
- Your report must summarise outcomes and include a full income and expenditure breakdown.
- HCBID Ltd will follow up on missing reports.
- If you don’t submit a final report, you won’t be eligible for future funding.
Who May Apply
Any traders’ groups, charities, voluntary or community organisation may apply. The BID Board must satisfy itself that any grant made is likely to achieve the desired outcome relating to economic, social or environmental well-being of HCBID area.
If you would like to discuss your eligibility for this grant please contact Diane Mansell on diane@herefordshirecountybid.co.uk
Who Cannot Apply
- HCBID does not fund activities that benefit only one business or serve a political purpose.
- We do not support any project that discriminates based on race, religion, gender, age, sexuality, or disability.
- We avoid funding activities that fall under the responsibility of a Local Authority or risk replacing statutory funding.
- We do not award grants to national organisations unless they deliver a clear, direct benefit to Herefordshire tourism businesses.
- If local groups raise funds that are redirected to regional or national headquarters and not spent locally, we will not fund them.
Conditions Of Funding
The following conditions will apply:
- Submit your application using the correct form and include all required documents.
- We will not consider applications without sufficient financial documentation.
- Your organisation must be properly constituted, with a written constitution and appointed officers.
- Do not start your project until you receive, sign, and return the official offer email from HCBID.
- We do not fund projects that have already started or cover costs for completed work, goods, or services.
- We may award less than the amount you request.
- Complete your project within the financial year in which you applied.
- Your organisation must have a bank account in its name.
- We do not fund core running costs, salaries, or wages.
- Use the grant only for the purpose stated in your application.
- If you cannot use the grant as planned or within the agreed timeframe, return the funds.
- Submit a final report within six weeks of project completion. Include receipts or proof of purchases.
- Failure to submit a final report will make you ineligible for future funding.
- HCBID Ltd.’s decision is final.
If you would like to discuss your eligibility for this grant please contact Diane Mansell on diane@herefordshirecountybid.co.uk
