Businesses and community organisations in rural areas can apply to the West Kent Rural Grants Scheme to support economic growth initiatives and community, heritage, and tourism facilities.
You can apply for a grant ranging from £5,000 to £20,000. The funding is for capital expenditure and match funding is required.
Applications will remain open until the funds have been allocated.
The West Kent Rural Grants scheme is funded by the UK Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund. It is administered locally by The West Kent Partnership of Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
Make an application
Before you apply, you should read our application guidance.
Eligible local organisations must be within a rural area defined by Defra. You can check this using the interactive Magic Map or our map of rural areas defined by DEFRA.
It may be helpful to view our application questions so you have the the right information to hand before you apply .
Apply for a West Kent Rural Grant
How applications are considered
Applications are considered by a Grant Panel that meets throughout the year.
Please note: being in an eligible area (as defined by Defra) or meeting the scheme criteria does not automatically entitle you to a grant. The scheme is competitive and awards are given at the Panel’s discretion. The Panel’s decision is final.
Next Panel Meetings
Panel Meeting 1
Application deadline – 11 July 2025
Panel meeting – 25 July 2025
Panel Meeting 2
Application deadline – 1 August 2025
Panel meeting – 15 August 2025
Panel Meeting 3
Application deadline – 22 August 2025
Panel meeting – 5 September 2025
Purchasing second-hand equipment
Please see our guidance and the declaration you must complete if you are proposing to purchase second-hand equipment with West Kent Rural Grant funding.
Advice and declaration when purchasing second-hand equipment (PDF format)
Advice and declaration when purchasing second-hand equipment (Microsoft Word format)