The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced that it has made £900,000 available over the 2025-2026 financial year to the Community Radio Fund.
Rather than the usual two funding rounds per year, there will be one funding round this year which is expected to open in early September 2025.
Ofcom-licensed community radio stations broadcasting on AM, FM, or by a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) license on a digital radio multiplex can apply for grants to help with the essential core work involved in running a radio station.
The grants can be used for:
- Management.
- Fundraising to support the station (eg, grants, commercial funding).
- Administration.
- Financial management and reporting.
- Community outreach.
- Volunteer organisation and support.
Although there is no set amount, grants are usually in the range of £5,000 to £30,000.
Ofcom is expected to 'shortly' announce more details about how they will manage the process for the 2025/26 fund, which will open for bids in September 2025.
Community radio gets vital government funding boost - GOV.UK
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