Resources for Rural Community Hubs

Practical tools, funding opportunities, and expert guidance to help your village hall, community centre, or parish pub thrive — whether you're just starting out or looking to expand. (Because let's face it: running a community space isn't always straightforward.)

Your Toolkit for Success

From legal templates to fundraising tips — we've gathered the most useful resources to help you navigate the challenges of community ownership. (Spoiler: you're not alone in this.)

Explore Guides

Community members reviewing documents at a village hall meeting

Practical Guides

Step-by-step guides covering everything from initial planning to day-to-day management. (Because even the most experienced committee members need a refresher sometimes.)

Starting a Community Hub

A 42-page guide covering feasibility studies, legal structures, and securing your first premises. (Includes real-life examples from 12 successful hubs.)

Download PDF (2.4MB)

Funding and Finance

How to diversify income streams — from grant applications to community shares. (Spoiler: you don't need to rely on just one source.)

Download PDF (1.8MB)

Governance and Compliance

Essential information on charity law, GDPR, and health & safety. (Because nobody wants to deal with unexpected legal issues.)

Download PDF (3.1MB)

Community Engagement

How to keep your community involved and enthusiastic. (Includes templates for surveys, newsletters, and event planning.)

Download PDF (2.7MB)

Sustainability Guide

Practical steps to reduce your environmental impact — and save money. (Did you know energy-efficient lighting can cut costs by up to 30%?)

Download PDF (2.2MB)

Funding Opportunities

Current funding opportunities for rural community projects. (Bookmark this page — we update it monthly.)

Rural Community Energy Fund

Grants of up to £150,000 for renewable energy projects in rural areas. (Perfect for village halls looking to install solar panels or heat pumps.)

Deadline: Rolling applications

Learn More

National Lottery Community Fund

Grants from £300 to £10,000 for projects that build stronger communities. (98.3% of applications from rural areas are successful — don't miss out!)

Deadline: Ongoing

Apply Now

Power to Change

Funding for community businesses, including parish pubs and village shops. (Grants up to £30,000 available.)

Deadline: Quarterly

Find Out More

Local Authority Grants

Many local councils offer grants for community spaces. (Check with your council — you might be surprised at what's available.)

Deadline: Varies

View Directory

£1.2M

Funding secured by our community partners in 2023

1,247

Successful grant applications supported since 2015

92%

Of applicants who used our templates were successful

Best Practices from Successful Hubs

Learn from communities that have been there, done that. (Because reinventing the wheel is overrated.)

Interior of a modern village hall with flexible seating arrangements

Flexible Spaces, Maximum Impact

The most successful village halls aren't just big empty rooms — they're adaptable spaces that can host everything from yoga classes to wedding receptions. (And yes, that means movable furniture is your friend.)

Key takeaways:

Invest in stackable chairs and foldable tables
Create designated storage areas for different activities
Consider modular staging for performances and presentations

The Power of Partnerships

No community hub is an island. (And frankly, why would you want to be?) Successful hubs collaborate with local schools, businesses, and other organizations to create a thriving ecosystem.

Examples from our network:

Shared kitchen facilities with a local catering business
After-school clubs run in partnership with primary schools
Co-working spaces that attract remote workers during the day
Pop-up shops for local artisans and producers

Community members collaborating at a village hall event

Volunteers serving food at a community event

Volunteer Management

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community hub — but managing them effectively can be a challenge. (Here's how to keep them happy and engaged.)

Tips from our community managers:

Create clear role descriptions (even for volunteers)
Recognize and reward contributions regularly
Offer training and development opportunities
Make volunteering social — it's not just about the work

Downloadable Toolkits

Ready-to-use templates and checklists to save you time and headaches. (Because who has time to start from scratch?)

Business Plan Toolkit

Everything you need to create a professional business plan for your community hub. (Includes financial projections and sample budgets.)

Download (1.9MB)

Event Planning Checklist

A comprehensive checklist to ensure you don't forget anything when planning your next community event. (From permits to parking — we've got you covered.)

Download (0.8MB)

Marketing Toolkit

Templates for posters, social media posts, and press releases. (Because if nobody knows about your event, nobody will come.)

Download (3.2MB)

Risk Assessment Template

A customizable template to help you identify and mitigate risks for your community space and events. (Peace of mind included.)

Download (1.1MB)

Constitution Template

A ready-to-use constitution template for your community group. (Because nobody wants to start from scratch with legal documents.)

Download (1.5MB)

Need More Support?

Our team is here to help. Whether you need advice on a specific challenge or just want to chat through your ideas, we're only an email or phone call away.

"The resources from Village Community Hubs were a game-changer for our village hall renovation. The funding guide helped us secure £45,000 — and the business plan template saved us weeks of work."

— Sarah Jennings, Little Compton Village Hall Committee