Build back better market towns fund

The scheme was launched in 2021 with the first round of applications being received in September 2021, and the second round in December 2021.

A total of £500,000 in funding was awarded to successful bids, ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. In the first round of funding, £385,386 was awarded to 45 applicants, and just over £114,000 allocated to 22 applicants in the second round. Detailed lists of the grants awarded can be downloaded from the right-hand side of this page.

The fund was created to support local communities recovering from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Its aim was to help communities organise non-commercial events like Christmas fairs, music festivals, and community events, which were affected by the pandemic.

The fund was intended to benefit Market Towns, rural communities, and those living on the edge of urban areas in Gloucestershire.

How were bids evaluated?

Bids were evaluated based on the expected reach of the event, its impact on the local economy, the bidder's experience in delivering similar events, and the anticipated legacy of the event on the local community. 

Each application was reviewed by a decision-making panel consisting of the Deputy Leader Cabinet Member for Finance and Change and senior officers.