News
The Media Operations System blog contains tips and advice on the various tools within the system as well as wider advice about radio stations.
Significant boost to Community Radio Fund
Posted: 17th May 2025
Ofcom has announced that £1m will be available to community radio stations across the UK, a significant increase to the Community Radio Fund following additional funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The Community Radio Fund is a grant program established to support the core operating costs of Ofcom-licensed community radio stations. These stations are not-for-profit and aim to serve specific communities with local programming and social benefits. It is allocated by DCMS and managed by Ofcom.
This year, the fund will receive a boost of £600,000 bringing the total amount to £1 million. £900,000 will be available as grants, with the further £100,000 used to develop new initiatives that support community radio – managed by DCMS.
The increase is a welcome boost to the community radio sector, following demand for funding being oversubscribed in recent years due to the level of interest from community stations.
Due to the significant increase in funding, Ofcom will now administer one round of funding rather than the usual two. This is to allow applicants more time to prepare, and to ensure efficiency in the process.
The scope of the fund will remain unchanged, meaning funding will be used to support the sustainability of Ofcom-licensed community radio stations as set out in the guidance notes.
Ofcom expects the application window for the 2025-26 round to open in early September.
Tags: Ofcom | Community Radio | Community Radio Fund
View other news stories
