Rural communities throughout the UK could be eligible for funding from the Calor Rural Community Fund.

Established in 2017, the fund from energy provider Calor aims to give off-grid communities the chance to gain funding for projects that will improve local life.

Last year’s winning projects included a swing for a community park, a new piano for a community choir, books for a rural school library and the installation of fibre broadband into an off-grid village.

    See also: Calor community fund winners unveiled

With a total fund of £50,000 and with 21 individual prize pots up for grabs, this year’s Calor Rural Community Fund will be open for applications from 20 March to 30 April.

Calor’s head of corporate affairs Paul Blacklock says: “As off-grid energy providers we are passionate about country living.

    Success

"The success of last year’s scheme has shown us the tangible impact that the Calor Rural Community Fund has had on a number of rural communities.

"This year we are offering funding for 21 different projects, with prize pots ranging from £1,000 up to £5,000."

Past submissions have included funding for community centres, village halls and sporting venues, as well as initiatives to support local schoolchildren and the elderly.

“Application is via our Calor website, which will open for entries on the 20th March 2018 for a period of six weeks.

    Shortlist

Accepted projects will be published online and we’ll be encouraging communities to get on board by voting for their favourite, before we shortlist the finalists."

National community action groups, Business in the Community and Rural England will join Calor's judging panel again to help decide the most worthy winners.

Each project will be assessed for its impact and reach, sustainability and of course, its originality.

Entries open on 20 March 2018, but rural communities interested in learning more can visit www.calor.co.uk/communityfund now to register their interest.