The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) is a UK-wide charity, established by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010 which aims to empower family farms and rural communities to ensure their futures.

Barclays 100x100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme Funding

Back in April 2020, Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities most impacted by COVID-19. £10m of this funding has been donated through their 100x100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme, with us, The Prince’s Countryside Fund, being one of 100 UK charities each receiving a donation of £100k, allowing our important work to continue.

We were chosen by a selection committee to support the long-term resilience and sustainability of the UK’s rural communities following the COVID-19 pandemic by offering grant funding to projects which are delivering vital community services and enhancing the lives of people who live and work in rural areas.

Grant round opening soon!

The PCF’s grant programme works to ensure that the nation’s rural communities flourish, now and in the future by awarding funds to community-led projects in rural areas.

The next grant round will be opening on 15th February and is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Barclays. Please sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay up to date. Find out more here: www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/grants

Win a New Holland Tractor

In partnership with New Holland, PCF launched the ‘Up to Speed’ scheme in 2020. The scheme offers access to cutting-edge machinery to three people annually – young farmers, new entrants, or those who want to make a difference in their local community through the use of a New Holland machine. The three winners receive either a Boomer Compact tractor, a T6 or T7 tractor, or a TH telehandler on loan for a year.

Rob, a 2020 recipient said: “I won the loan of a New Holland T6 tractor through the ‘Up to Speed’ scheme. In the nine months I’ve had the tractor so far it has enabled my business to grow. I’d urge everyone to apply!”

The second year of the scheme will be open for applications on 1st February 2021, find out more and apply here: www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/uptospeed

Pictured PCF Ambassador JB Gill

The National Directory of Farm and Rural Support

As we enter the new year with continuing uncertainties and challenges, please remember that if you are finding things difficult PCF’s National Directory of Farm and Rural Support Groups contains 69 regional, national and membership organisations who are able to offer you support. You can find the directory here: www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/directory – and do let us know at [email protected] if there’s a group you think should be included.