Ofcom Community Radio Fund Grant - Final Report (May 2026)
May 29th 2026
Hope FM was awarded a Grant in Round Two of the Community Radio Fund 2024–25 to support a Business Development and Community Engagement role for the period 1st March 2025 to 30th April 2026.
The role was delivered through a business consultancy service.
This support has enabled Hope FM to strengthen both its long-term financial stability and its engagement with the local community.
Key areas of focus during the grant period included:
• Securing advertising and sponsorship agreements, creating new and more sustainable income streams
• Developing updated and more flexible sponsorship packages for local businesses and organisations
• Increasing engagement with businesses, charities, and community groups across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
• Supporting the creation and submission of funding applications to diversify income sources
• Introducing improved systems and processes for fundraising and partnership development
As a result of this work, Hope FM has secured new income through a combination of commercial activity and donations, and has significantly strengthened its relationships within the local community.
The station has developed more active partnerships with local businesses, charities and organisations than at any time since 2020, leading to increased collaboration and on-air representation of community voices.
The consultancy has also helped Hope FM adopt a more structured and proactive approach to income generation and audience engagement. Improvements in social media activity and digital communications have led to increased audience interaction, with the launch of the new “Hope FM Player” app further enhancing accessibility and engagement.
A new Church Partnership initiative has been introduced, supporting stronger links with local churches and encouraging ongoing financial and community support.
In addition, the grant has helped lay the groundwork for future community-based projects, including initiatives focused on health and wellbeing and accessibility. While these projects are still in development, the station is now better positioned to secure future funding and deliver them.
Hope FM’s volunteer team has also benefited from a more structured operational approach, with increased opportunities to be involved in partnership and fundraising activity.
Overall, the support from Ofcom’s Community Radio Fund has enabled Hope FM to build a stronger and more sustainable foundation for the future, ensuring it can continue to serve and represent its local community.
Hope FM is grateful for the continued support of Ofcom’s Community Radio Fund.
