The Prince's Countryside Fund provides funding towards projects operating in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that clearly contribute towards one or more of The Prince’s Countryside Fund's objectives. It is now open for applications but be quick because applications need to be in by October 23 2014 We want our funding to have a long-term positive effect on rural communities, helping those that live and work there sustain the countryside, by tackling key rural issues.

Thriving Rural Communities - projects that provide innovative solutions to deliver assets and services that keep rural communities together and develop a more sustainable rural economy i.e. empowering communities to provide village services or create business hubs and employment for local people.

Rural Livelihoods - projects that focus on developing stronger, more sustainable farm and rural enterprises with the aim of halting the decline of the rural economy i.e. providing rural businesses with support and advice or supporting farmer led initiatives.

Farmers of the Future - projects that help improve skills and increase opportunities of taking up rural careers, in particular in farming, with the aim of remaining within and contributing to the rural economy i.e. training opportunities and apprenticeship schemes, inspiring and enabling new entrants to consider a career in farming.

You can contact a member of The Prince’s Countryside Fund team on 0207 566 6615 or email pcfapplication@bitc.org.uk to tell us about your project before going ahead with your application. We can talk to you about whether your project meets the Fund’s objectives and give guidance on what you need to do to make your application.

We require all applications to be made online and to start an application you will need to register for an account. For more information visit http://princescountrysidefund.org.uk/apply-for-fund/welcome-screen