Deadline: 30-Apr-23
The National Trust is inviting grant applications for projects and activities within the Changing Chalk project area which help people to access, enjoy, learn about, and look after the nature and cultural heritage of the eastern South Downs.
The Changing Chalk Community Grants Scheme is designed to support local, community-led initiatives that will help them achieve the overall Changing Chalk objectives and vision.
Objectives
- Projects must meet at least one of the Changing Chalk objectives:
- Theme: Restoring Chalkland Biodiversity (Nature)
- Support and work with landowners and farmers to enable sustainable management of chalk grassland.
- Improve habitat and species richness and the connectivity of the rare chalk grassland.
- Theme: Connecting Downs and Towns (People):
- Inspire change in ideas and actions to encourage active participation in caring for the Downs, sustaining its long-term future.
- Engage a wider range of people with the Downs to increase their wellbeing and connection with the landscape.
- Theme: Hearts and Histories of the Downs (Heritage)
- Engage communities as active participants in the discovery, interpretation and celebration of the cultural heritage of the Downs.
- Theme: Restoring Chalkland Biodiversity (Nature)
Funding Information
- The scheme will award small grants of between £250 and £5,000.
- Applications for grants up to £10,000 may be considered for habitat-related projects on priority chalk grassland.
- In partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme aims to award a total of £150,000 to local initiatives during the lifetime of the Changing Chalk project.
What they can fund?
- The scheme will award small grants between £250 and £5,000. Applications for grants of up to £10,000 will also be considered for habitat projects on priority chalk grassland sites under the Restoring Chalkland Biodiversity theme.
- All projects must deliver activities which:
- Are within the Changing Chalk project area, and support delivery of at least one Changing Chalk objective under the Changing Chalk themes
- Deliver value for money
- They particularly encourage applications for projects which benefit and involve Changing Chalk target audiences
- Grants can be awarded for up to 100% of the eligible costs. However, where projects can secure match funding from other sources this will be considered when they assess the project’s ‘value for money’. In-kind or non-monetary contributions towards the project, including volunteer time, will also be considered and should be included in your application.
Changing Chalk target audiences
- People living in areas of socio-economic deprivation
- NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training)
- People living with a health need including mental health
- Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
Eligibility Criteria
- The following groups are eligible to apply:
- Local community or voluntary groups/organisations
- Registered charities and other non-profit making organisations (e.g. social enterprises/CIC)
- Schools, town councils and parish councils if their project demonstrates wider community involvement and benefit
- Private landowners (individuals) (for eligible habitat related projects only)
- Projects must be completed within 12 months of the date of the Grant Agreement Letter. A signed Grant Agreement Letter must be in place before project delivery can start.
- Applicants must submit a copy of their Constitution/Terms of Reference (formal rules) or similar with their application which details the purpose and governance of the group or organisation, including not for profit and dissolution clauses.
- Applicants must have a bank account for the grant award to be paid into and must submit audited accounts (or 3 months bank statements) for checking.
- Applicants will need to provide 2 quotes (or evidence to show how costs have been estimated, for example catalogue or internet prices) for any individual items or works over £500. They’ll need to see 3 quotes for any individual items or works over £1,000. You’ll need to submit these with your application.
- Schools and town/parish councils must demonstrate wider community involvement and benefit in their projects.
- If you are a private landowner, the project must not generate financial gain (individual or organisational).
- For capital works / habitat projects.
Assessment Criteria
- For grants between £250 and £1,000: Assessment and decision period of up to 6-weeks after the grant application deadline.
- For grants between £1,000 and £5,000: Assessment and decision period of up to 10-weeks after the grant application deadline.
- For habitat projects only, grants of between £5,000 and £10,000:
- Expression of Interest (EoI) – invitation to apply/feedback within 10 working days
- Full application – assessment and decision period of up to 10-weeks after the grant application deadline.
For more information, visit National Trust.