Community organisations across Dudley borough are being urged to apply for a fresh round of funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), as the town’s council opens applications for projects aimed at building stronger, healthier, and more vibrant local places.
£355,000 available
The council has £355,000 available to grant to voluntary, community and partnership organisations as part of the UKSPF’s “community and place” investment priority. Groups have until March 2026 to deliver funded projects, which must align with key themes such as improving health and wellbeing, reducing crime, tackling homelessness, supporting the local visitor economy, and enhancing town centres.
Set up by the previous government
The UKSPF was originally launched by the former government to boost pride in place and increase life chances nationwide. Since April 2022, more than £7.2 million of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s £88.4 million UKSPF allocation has been invested in Dudley.
So far, the fund has backed over 50 events and initiatives locally, including community-led festivals, heritage trails, and regeneration schemes. Recent highlights include Brierley Hill Community Forum’s archaeology dig and volunteer project, The Just Straight Talk trail walk series, and the CreArt ‘Kulture Festival’, which celebrated local culture through art and performance.
A range of projects delivered
The Priory Community Centre’s intergenerational initiative and a drone film of Wren’s Nest Nature Reserve have also been delivered, alongside the community choir ‘Diva Dudley’.
Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for the economy and infrastructure, said: “During the last 12 months the UKSPF funding has seen more than £1.3 million in grants paid to Dudley borough businesses, the delivery of more than 50 cultural and heritage events engaging more than 500 residents, and more than 2,000 skill interventions including training and helping people into work.”
Council urges people to come forward with new ideas
Dudley Council is encouraging new applicants to come forward with ideas that help create inclusive, safer, and more connected communities.
