About the Capital Project Development and Delivery Programme
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) is launching the Capital Project Development and Delivery Programme using part of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation for 2025/26. The programme supports the development and delivery of community-focused capital projects across York and North Yorkshire. All funded work must be completed by March 2026
Understanding Project Stages
This programme has been designed to support capital projects which have already progressed beyond the feasibility stage. We are not funding early-stage or pre-feasibility work through this programme.
This programme will support:
Development-stage projects: Projects that have completed a feasibility study and are now taking the steps towards submitting a planning application. This typically includes design development, cost planning, and technical preparation. (RIBA Stages 2 – 3)
Delivery-stage projects: Projects that already have planning permission and are ready to begin construction or implementation. (RIBA Stages 4 – 5)
(The RIBA Plan of Work stages for Construction Projects may be used as a guide).
Objectives
Projects should aim to :
- Deliver capital improvements that benefit local communities
- Support spaces or initiatives such as community hubs, cultural/creative centres, or community energy schemes
- Attract future investment from regional or national sources
Eligibility
Who can apply:
- Organisations based in York and North Yorkshire
- Projects must be located within the region
- For delivery-stage projects, applicants must own the property or have a long-term lease with at least 20 years duration. (The lease does not need to have 20 years remaining at point of application)
Additional requirements :
- All projects must submit a feasibility study with their application
- Delivery-stage projects must have planning permission in place or be close to approval
- Applicants must provide proof of site ownership or permission to use
- Match funding must be secured and evidenced at the time of application
- Project delivery plan showing key milestones and critical path stages to show that delivery can be achieved within the required timescales
- Detailed breakdown of estimated costs on which the application for funding is based and confirmation of how any cost over-run will be addressed
- Projects will need to meet public procurement requirements
Guidance
Applicants are required to provide a comprehensive summary of any feasibility or preparatory study previously undertaken in relation to the proposed project. Your response should address the following points:
Background and Context
- Outline the purpose and scope of the study
- Identify the context in which it was undertaken
Market Failure, issues or Challenges
- Describe the specific market failure, systemic issue, or challenge the study aimed to address
- Explain why existing mechanisms or market forces were insufficient to resolve the issue
Study Completion and Key Findings
- State when the study was completed
- Summarise the key findings and recommendations that emerged from the study
Influence on Project Design
- Explain how the findings and recommendations have informed the objectives, design, and delivery approach of the next stage of your project
Consideration of Alternatives
- Describe any alternative solutions or delivery models that were considered or evaluated
- Justify the selection of the proposed approach for the next stage
Expected Impact and Public Benefit
- Detail the anticipated positive impact of the project
- Identify the primary beneficiaries and describe how the project will deliver added value and maximise public benefit
Financing the Overall Project
- Provide detailed plans for financing the remainder of the overall project
- Include confirmed or potential funding sources, key dates, milestones, and a timeline for securing all necessary resources
Funding Opportunity and Requirements
Total value of the programme
£500,000
Amount of funding available for individual applications
- £10,000–£30,000 for development-stage projects
- £20,000–£100,000 for delivery-stage projects
Match Funding
- Up to 80% of total project costs can be funded
- Applicants must contribute at least 20% in capital match funding
Eligible Expenditure
- Design and architectural fees as well as utilities estimates, 3rd party site inspections
- Site surveys
- Clearly defined phases of capital works that can be completed by March 2026
Ineligible Expenditure
The following costs are not eligible for funding under this programme. This list is not exhaustive:
- Any works or activities that are already fully funded from other sources
- Activities that the local authority, combined authority, project deliverer, or applicant has a statutory duty to undertake
- Works or activities that have already started or have been contracted before the grant funding agreement is signed
- Costs related to the purchase of assets or community ownership initiatives
- Recoverable VAT
- Capital works that do not have the necessary permissions in place.
- Capital works that cannot be completed within the programme’s delivery timeframe
- Match funding used to cover revenue (non-capital) expenses.
- Options appraisals intended to identify potential sites
- Contingency costs
Application Process
Open to Applications
21 July 2025
Deadline for Applications
22 August 2025
Delivery window
End September 2025 – March 31 2025
Application Submission
- Thoroughly read the grant specification available
- Complete the official grant application form, providing all required information
- Attach relevant documents such as proof of ownership or lease of the building, last year’s audited accounts
Review and Assessment
- Initial Review: The programme team will conduct an initial review to ensure all required information is provided
- Evaluation: Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as alignment with the aims of the priority themes, community impact, deliverability and sustainability
- Site Visit: A site visit may be conducted to assess the project’s viability and gather additional information
Decision and Notification
- Appraisal: The application will be appraised and then presented to an independent panel for a final decision
- Approval: Successful applicants are notified and provided with a grant agreement outlining the terms and conditions
- Feedback: Unsuccessful applicants receive feedback on their application and may be invited to reapply in future rounds if funding is available
Grant Agreement
- Grant Agreement: Sign the grant agreement, which includes the project timeline, reporting requirements, and payment schedule
Monitoring Requirements
- Progress Reports: For larger projects interim progress reports may be requested detailing the status of the project, milestones achieved, and any challenges encountered. The applicant will be responsible for informing the Combined Authority of any material changes and/or serious delays to the project
- Final Report: A comprehensive final report upon project completion, summarising the outcomes, the intended benefits, any unexpected outcomes or benefits, the impact on the community, and any lessons learned
- Applicants may be requested to provide a case study or to contribute to showcase events
- Site Visits: Periodic site visits may be carried out by the Programme Team to ensure compliance with the grant terms and to provide support
Programme Outputs and Outcomes
Each organisation will be required to outline the programme outputs and outcomes they will achieve through their project in their application. Organisations will be monitored on a quarterly basis against these outputs and outcomes.
All outputs and outcomes must be achieved by 31st March 2026. Final monitoring reports will be submitted by 11th April 2026.
The programme overall aims to deliver against the following:
- Help development-stage projects move from feasability to planning application readiness
- Fund the delivery of captal works for projects that are ready to build
- Support projects that aign with local priorities and deliver clear community benefits
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the entire application form. If any assistance is required to complete the form, please use the contact form here.
If grant funding is awarded, the content of this completed application form will form the basis of an agreement between the successful organisation and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
All funding received should be used solely for the purposes of the grant and for the activities outlined within this application. Any variation from these activities will require the written agreement.
Useful Documents
- York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority – Economic Framework
- York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority – Mayor’s Vision
- York and North Yorkshire Routemap to Carbon Negative – (Summary Document)
- Guide to Developing the Project Business Case – Chapter 2 outlines HM Treasury’s 5 Cases Methodology
- UK subsidy control regime: statutory guidance – GOV.UK
