What we do Community Buildings Advisory Service Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund The Autumn 2018 budget announced that, to mark the centenary of the Armistice, government would support several initiatives, including making available grant funding to support improvement projects for village halls. The grant funding will be managed by ACRE on behalf of Defra with support from the ACRE Network. The grant aims to help fund the updating and refurbishment of village halls so that they are fit for purpose and provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities: Improved health and wellbeing/reduction in loneliness Demonstrates a positive impact on the environment Supports the local rural economy There will be greater emphasis given to applications who have already secured most of the funding How much can be applied for? The scheme will fund up to 20% of eligible costs, with a minimum grant of £10,000 and a maximum grant of £75,000 payable. This means overall scheme costs would be between £50,000 and £375,000. Is our hall eligible? If you are not sure, from the list below, if your hall is eligible then contact Helena Stubbs who will be able to clarify the eligibility criteria. For a full list of eligibility criteria, please download this pdf. Eligibility For more information go to the Defra page on the Gov.uk website: More Information ACRE also have information on their website and details of the application process: How to Apply If you have any queries about this fund, or any other matter relating to a village hall or community building, please contact Helena Stubbs, our Village Halls Adviser on 01629 592973 or email [email protected]. Information correct at time of publication: 12th April 2019 Photos courtesy of West Hallam Village Hall and the Brailsford Institute.