A new round of funding will start in April 2014.
SDF funding (Sustainable Development Fund) is aimed supporting a range of projects that bring environmental, social and economic benefits to the North Wessex Downs AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and contribute to the objectives of Natural England. The North Wessex Downs AONB has run the SDF grant scheme since 2003.
Expressions of Interest for the 2014-15 financial year, commencing on 1st April are now being taken. See the dedicated SDF website for more information.
http://www.northwessexdownsgrants.org.uk/DB/WBA/clients/NWD/NWDWebsiteV3.nsf
The Big Lottery Fund and ITV have launched the People's Millions public voting
competition for 2014. This year organisations can apply for up to £50,000 for
projects that help communities to enjoy, as well as transform their local
environment. The competition is open now until 13 May.
More information on the People’s Millions website or 0845 0 10 11 12
The £15m RCEF is aimed at helping rural communities in England access funding to carry out feasibility studies for renewable energy projects, fund pre-planning studies and preparation of planning applications. RCEF funds will support eligible rural projects including wind, solar, biomass, heat pumps, anaerobic digestion, gas Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and hydro through initial grants at stage 1 (less than £20,000) and loans at stage 2. For further information and details of how to apply, see the WRAP website.
Last week the Government announced the first six communities being helped under Green Deal for Communities scheme and this included Bracknell Forest. The six communities are funded to just under £20 million in total to deliver over 5,500 Green Deal Plans to over 7,000 households. The areas are Cambridgeshire, Ashfield, Suffolk, Peterborough, six London boroughs and Bracknell Forest. DECC is inviting local authorities (LAs), working with their partners, to come forward with ambitious and innovative street/area based proposals for funding. Proposals should aim to deliver Green Deal plans to as many households as possible.
Read the full article at GOV.UK
There have been important changes made to the eligibility of the European Social Fund (ESF).
Successful applicants will now have 10% of the grant withheld until they have been signed off as having completed all the necessary paperwork i.e. until after their project has been completed.
As a consequence, both the application form and guidelines have been amended. If you feel you may be affected by this change and would like to discuss it or to receive updated application forms and guidelines, please contact Hilary Burr at Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action - hilary.burr@ocva.org.uk.
The Prince's Countryside Fund provides funding towards projects operating in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that clearly contribute towards one or more of The Prince’s Countryside Fund's objectives.
The grants have to result in things that relate directly to their objectives, one of which is
"Improve the sustainability of rural communities targeting the areas of greatest need"
In this round of grants The Prince's Countryside Fund seeks to address and provide funding to tackle four key issues:
• Rural Isolation
• Decline of Rural communities
• Low Farming Incomes
• Lack of access to training
To be eligible for a grant you will need to demonstrate that your project is tackling at least one of these four issues.
The fund is open for applications from 3rd March - 10th April 2014.
Do you run a community group in the Reading area? Or are you involved in youth sorts and culture? If so the Rotary Club Awards could be your opportunity to raise up to £1000 towards a project you are working on.
Go to http://rotaryawards.co.uk to download an application form. Applications will be reviewed on the 1st May 2014.
