New round of Environmental Pride open!
The fourth round of Environmental Pride funding – which could see community groups receive grants of up-to £5000 – is now open for applications.
This environment-themed community fund – a joint initiative run by City of Doncaster Council and St Leger Homes - with support from Doncaster Chamber and many local businesses – will invite community groups to apply for funding and support with projects that demonstrate they both support the natural environment and make a difference to their community.
Unlike previous rounds, this funding stream will be split into three categories, with groups invited to apply from one of the following categories:
- Category 1: Physical improvements to natural environment (£100 - £5,000 available)
- Category 2: Activities/events within public open spaces (up to £1,000 available per event)
- Category 3: Community Orchards planting (up £5,000 available)
In addition to grant funding, community groups can request a range of support, including but not limited to:
- Extra volunteer support
- Business advice
- Consultation with council officers
- Promotion
- Materials
Cabinet member for Sustainability and Waste at City of Doncaster Council, Cllr Mark Houlbrook said: “Another round of Environmental Pride means one thing – more green, sustainable projects within our communities! I’ve visited many of our previous successful applicants and it is always incredible to see what our communities have come up with.
“This time round, funding will be available for community groups to plant community orchards. Not only is this yet another fantastic green initiative, it will also contribute to our city’s one-million tree planting goal!
“Don’t forget – help is available for all. Get in touch even if your project idea is still taking shape or if you haven’t formed a community group yet – we can support you throughout the process.”
Dave Richmond, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes said: ‘’Environmental Pride is exactly what it says; an initiative that aims to support community-based groups to deliver projects that are good for the environment, sustainable and foster a sense of local neighbourhood pride.’’
The application process will be open to groups such as:
- Charities,
- Community Groups such as Friends of groups
- Social and not-for-profit businesses,
- Schools (Category 2 funding only)
- Parish councils (Category 2 and 3 funding only),
- Tenant clubs and Associations
The application process will take place through a 15-minute expression of interest online survey. Support over phone or email will be available throughout the application window and will also include in-person and online ‘drop-in’ workshops session. These include:
- In person: Monday 29th January 2024, between 10am and 4pm –
- Civic Office (City Centre) Room 007b, 9am – 10:30am
- Radburn Road Communal Hall (Rossington) 11am – 1pm
- Craganour Communal Hall (Denaby) 2:30pm - 4pm
- In Person: Tuesday 30th January 2024, between 10:00 and 4pm
- Church Balk Communal Hall (Edenthorpe) 10am – 12pm
- Villa Gardens Communal Hall (Toll Bar) 2pm – 4pm - Online: 5th February 2024, between 1pm and 4pm – sign up here
After the application deadline has closed at 5pm, 19th February, a shortlist of candidates will be invited to pitch their projects in further detail but don’t worry - this will be informal and our teams will help you every step of the way!
For more information – and to apply – visit our website Environmental Pride - YourLifeDoncaster and to contact the team – please use the following details:
Email: EnvironmentalPride@doncaster.gov.uk
Phone: 01302 736319 / 01302 736068
The programme is led by St Leger Homes and City of Doncaster Council, including Get Doncaster Moving, with active participation from Voluntary Action Doncaster, private companies identified by Doncaster Chamber, Travis Perkins, EQUANS, Amey, Aalberts IPS and E.N. North.
Funding for the community orchards initiative has been made possible as a result of the Coronation Living Heritage Fund. To find out more about this fund – visit Celebrating the King’s Coronation – A new Living Heritage Fund for tree planting - Forestry Commission (blog.gov.uk)
- Category: General News