Deadline: 31-Jan-22
Do you have a project in mind which will make a difference to the wildlife, heritage or communities of the Blackdown Hills? If yes, then apply for this Sustainable Development Fund.
The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) is aimed at supporting projects that bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the area and demonstrate innovation and good practice.
The fund is aimed at supporting projects that bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and demonstrate innovation and good practice.
The fund can support a range of projects including practical work, feasibility studies, research projects, partnership development, and training. Grants can be used to fund new projects or to add value to an existing project.
Funding Information
Community groups, schools, organisations and individuals could be eligible for a grant of up to £2,000 from the Blackdown Hills AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).
Eligible Projects
The types of project that are eligible for a Sustainable Development Fund grant include:
- Restoration of historic features e.g. village ponds, community orchards, traditional boundaries
- Training programmes to safeguard traditional skills e.g. hedge-laying, woodland management, surveying and conservation
- Projects that provide new opportunities for young peopl
How does the Sustainable Development Fund work?
- Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) applications are appraised and evaluated for suitability against the grant criteria
- The scheme can provide up to 75% funding for projects, with the remainder of the cost being met by the group, organisation or individual leading the project.
- Some volunteer time can be included as an ‘in-kind’ contribution for match-funding purposes but it is preferable to have some cash match funding
- Funding is paid on completion of the project and not upfront.
- Projects must be completed by the end of March in the year the grant is awarded
- SDF cannot fund work carried out before the date of the offer letter
- Successful projects will need to comply with the grant’s terms and conditions which will be sent out with the grant offer. The terms and conditions stipulate a minimum level of publicity and completion of a short project summary form within 30 days of completion of the project.
Eligibility Criteria
Public, private, voluntary and community groups can apply for SDF funding; individuals and businesses can also apply if they can demonstrate their project has a clear benefit for the wider community.
For more information, visit Blackdown Hills AONB.
For more information, visit https://blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk/get-involved/find-funding/sustainable-development-fund/