It is often difficult for people to find affordable accommodation in their local community. Community Land Trusts (CLTs) seek to address this problem by creating affordable housing and community resources through the co-operative ownership of land by the local community. However, it was recognised that 1. a lack of technical support in preparing development and business plans; and 2. a lack of access to risk capital make it difficult to establish CLTs so Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Tudor Trust supported the established of the Community Land Trust Fund to provide funding for this type of support.

What is the funding for?
There are three funds available :

1. a Feasibility Fund - will provide community groups or fledgling CLTs with one day of consultancy support and guidance by an expert from either Community Land and Finance Ltd (CLF) or another consultant in the field.

2. a Technical Assistance Fund - can provide grants of up to £2,500 to CLTs or emerging CLTs so that they can employ a consultant or consultants for up to five days in order to develop their initial ideas into a comprehensive business plan that is ‘investment ready’.

3. an Investment Fund - can support eligible CLTs providing secured and unsecured loans. This Fund does not offer grants.The Investment Fund will only make loans to charitable projects to provide affordable housing for rent or low-cost home ownership adopting a Community Land Trust model (as defined in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008).

How much money is available?

No specific amounts are given other than for the Technical assistance as above.

Who can apply?
Community groups who are fledgling CLTs, established Community Land Trusts. For information on how to become a CLT go to the website.

When to apply
At any time.

How to apply
Feasibility Fund: If you know of an experienced consultant who can helpyou to develop your initial ideas send a copy of theirC.V. together with a short paragraph explaining why they are best placed to deliver the scoping day to:CLT Feasibility Fund c/o Tudor Trust 7 Ladbroke Grove London W11 3BD

Technical Assistance Fund: Guidance on applying to the TAF is given at www.tudortrust.org.uk/thecltfund. Please send completed applications to:CLT Technical Assistance Fundc/o Tudor Trust7 Ladbroke GroveLondon W11 3BD. Applications by email cannot be accepted.

Investment Fund:CLTs seeking loan finance should approach the Investment Fund by telephoning Venturesome on 020 7832 3026 or emailing

General information can be found at:
website: www.communitylandtrust.org.uk

Key words:housing, community land, feasibility study, consultant's fees, , management support, sustainable development.