FUNDING NEWS

Funding for Eco-Innovation Projects (UK)

The European Commission has launched a €35 million call for eco-innovation projects to be funded under the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP). Funding is available for projects in the area of materials recycling, sustainable building products, the food and drink sector, and green business practices. Priority will be given to applications from small businesses with green products or services that need backing to penetrate markets. In addition clusters of applicants and projects which demonstrate a European added value and have a high potential for market replication are strongly encouraged. Previous projects supported in the past have ranged from recycling tannery and leather waste to produce green fertilizers to using bamboo to clean up waste water.

The deadline for application is the 9th September 2010.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eco-innovation/application_en.htm

 Funding Available for New Groups To Tackle Local Issues (Scotland)

The Scottish Community Foundation is inviting expressions of interest through their 'Our Community Our Future' Initiative, funded by the Big Lottery Fund. The aim of the programme is to bring communities across Scotland together to achieve positive change, particularly in response to new challenges and trends which affect people whose voices may not be heard. Groups of at least four people are eligible to apply, though groups don't need to be formally set up as a group or organisation. Grants of up to £20,000 are available to get local people involved in improving their community; build skills, connections and confidence, and develop a plan of action to start making a lasting difference. The Foundation is looking for four groups to start working with in this current year.

The deadline for expressions of interest is the 30th April 2010.

http://www.scottishcf.org/resources/news/view/97/our-community-our-future-20k-available-to-new-groups-to-tackle-issues-local-issues/

 People’s Millions Re-launched (UK)

The Big Lottery Fund has announced a new funding round under its People's Millions Initiative. Through the People’s Million's, BIG wants to fund projects that transform the local environment or provide opportunities or facilities to allow people to take part and enjoy their local area. BIG are particularly interested in supporting community-based projects that can show that they will increase community involvement or help people who are most in need. In 2010, a total of £3.8 million will be available to support up to 5 projects within each of the 18 ITV regions, plus 18 runners up. The maximum grant will be £50,000 plus VAT. Funding will be mainly for one of capital costs and could include improvements to land, for open spaces or allotments, other forms of landscaping, buying land or temporary buildings, construction work, improvements to access, fixtures and fittings and the purchase of equipment. Organisations that can enter the People's Millions include voluntary or community groups, public bodies such as local authorities, schools, or statutory health bodies and social enterprises.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 14th May 2010.

http://www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/

UK Mammals Grants (UK)

The People's Trust for endangered species is inviting applications from voluntary conservation organisations, scientific researchers, individuals and consortia, needing financial support for work that relates to the conservation of mammals in the British Isles and Eire, to apply for funding of up to £30,000 through their UK mammals grant programme. The trust aims to fund scientific research, practical habitat management work, reintroduction and monitoring programmes and educational projects. Projects supported in the past include; Bats in the Lake District; Monitoring of UK bat species in underground sites; and monitoring Irish pine martens.

The deadline for applications is the 22nd November 2010.

http://www.ptes.org/index.php?cat=89

One Planet Living Grant Scheme (UK)

gh the One Planet Living (OPL) Grant scheme, schools, community groups and charitable organisations can apply to their local B&Q store for funding to support a local community project. Projects must support at least one of the following themes:

·       Environment/Energy Saving

·       Natural Habitats/Wildlife

·       Local Culture/Heritage.

The scheme provides £50 to £500 (at retail cost) of B&Q materials, for example, pond liners, plants, peat-free compost for projects such as a pond/wildlife garden or paints labelled low or minimal VOC for redecoration projects. It is important that the project is sustainable. For example, the materials and methods used should not cause environmental damage in the short or long-term. The final result should have long-lasting benefit to the community. OPL Grants do not cover maintenance, so the project should be designed for easy care. To apply for a grant, applicants will need to contact the environmental champion or store manager at their local B&Q store to discuss project details.

 Projects can apply for funding between 1 February 2010 and 30 September 2010 and successful projects must collect their materials no later than 31 October 2010.

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates/content_lookup.jsp?content=/aboutbandq/social_responsibility_2007/better_neighbourhood.jsp&menu=aboutbandq

The Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013

A wide range of activities have been brought together under the SRDP umbrella to provide more flexibility in meeting policy objectives.  The Programme is intended to empower rural communities at a grass-roots level and is open to communities, agricultural businesses, environmental projects, farmers and crofters. Funding for this programme comes from three sources; the Scottish Government; the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Voluntary Modulation.

It seeks to deliver five key outcomes:

• improve business viability;
• enhance biodiversity & landscape; 
• improve water quality; 
• tackle climate change and 
• support thriving rural communities.

To achieve these outcomes, SRDP will fund projects that work to national and regional priorities.  Priorities for your area can be found on their website. 

The programme will be delivered through seven funding measures:

1. Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme
2. Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme
3. Forestry Commission Challenge Funds
4. The LEADER initiative
5. Less Favoured Area Support Scheme
6. Rural Development Contracts (Rural Priorities)
7. Skills Development Scheme

Awards are decided at Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) Meetings.  There will be three rounds in each year which will give applicants and their advisers certainty in their forward planning. 

For the Rural Priorities Assessment Round Spring 2010 dates Click Here

Rural Priorities

Rural Priorities will include provision of leisure, recreation, sporting, catering and other rural community services and facilities – such as village halls.  Because the SRDP is a joint allocation from the Scottish Government and the European Commission match funding can only come from public and private funds (ie not more Government funding) .

At present Rural Priorities is the only SRDP strand that has to be accessed on-line – the application process and delivery mechanism all being done electronically. The SRDP website uses language and references which appear to exclude and have little to do with community groups but do not be put off! To begin with - for 'business' read 'community group'!

• Step one – complete what they call a Land and Business Change Form
• Step two – submit your LBCF and you will be issued with a Business Reference Number (BRN)
• Step three- phone the Help Desk 0845 601 7597.They will issue you with a User ID logon number.
• Step four Go to the online Rural Payments and select New User – remember for the purpose of this application you are a Individual Farm Business . You will need to key in your User ID and your BRN.
• Step five – you should now be able to access the online Statement of Intent form which is actually the first stage in the application process proper! The Statement of Intent can be saved and you can go back to it at any point . Once complete submit on line.
• Step six – check your emails for correspondence from the Case Officer assigned to your application. They will help you to fine-tune your application.  

Your application will then be assessed by the Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) who will meet several times a year.

For the latest information on Rural Priorities Click Here

Funding for Forestry Projects

Forestry proposals within Rural Priorities will now be assessed on an ongoing basis rather than only being examined at the assessment centres (RPACs) which are scheduled to take place three times annually. In this new route Forestry Commission Scotland will approve funding for individual proposals which meet the eligibility criteria for ongoing approval.

SRDP Review

In 2010 there is to be a full-scale review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme.  In January 2009 a First Stage Report was commissioned.  Read the report here

Rural Direct

Rural Direct Service will help rural community groups specifically with the new Scottish Rural Development Programme.  They will provide support in person, by phone and by email for groups developing applications and building local development strategies.  For general inquiries about Rural Direct call 0845 838 8598.

It's Your Community grants

Managed by the Conservation Foundation in partnership with O2, the Its Your Community programme offers grant assistance of up to £1000 to a wide range of community projects which bring people together to make a difference to their local community. This includes social, cultural, sporting or environmental projects.

There are no deadlines.  Every month over 60 projects throught the UK benefit from this funding. Find out more on the O2 Its Your Community website where there is an online application form. Decisions are made within 28 days.

Cruden Foundation Grants Programme

The Cruden Foundation Grants Programme offers funding to registered charities who run activities that bring benefit to communities in Scotland. There are no set guidelines or application form and funding is offered for a wide range of activities. For more information write to: Secretary, Cruden Foundation, Baberton House, Juniper Green, Edinburgh EH14 3HN.

Hilden Charitable Fund (UK)

This charity gives grants to overseas projects for capital and revenue funding to help small and medium size community development, education and health initiatives.  Trustees have a particularly interest in projects that address the needs and potential of girls and women.  For more information or to apply visit their website.

Scottish Community Foundation Community Grants Programme

This programme offers one off sums of up to £5,000 to a broad cross section of constituted groups involved in social welfare and community development activities. They currently only consider applications from smaller organisations that have an income of less than £250,000 per annum and for relatively small projects, where the amount requested is at least 25% of the total project costs. They don't fund activities for more than 12 months, and grants must be spent within one year. They can accept applications for help with running costs or project expenses and can fund up to 100% of the relevant costs. There is no closing date for applications. For more information or to apply visit their website or phone 0141 225 6670

European Parliament Structural Funds

There are three strands to the revised Structural Funds package for 2007-2013:

• Convergence – Supporting growth and job creation in the least developed member states and regions;
• Regional competitiveness and employment – anticipating and promoting change;
• European territorial co-operation – promoting the harmonious and balanced development of the Union territory.

More information about European Funds and deadlines go to the site for your area:  

The Highlands and Islands: www.hipp.org.uk     
East of Scotland:  www.esep.co.uk   
South of Scotland: www.sosep.org  
Strathclyde / West of Scotland: www.wsep.co.uk  

Scottish Community Projects Fund

The Scottish Community Projects Fund can award grants up to a maximum of £2,000.00 or half the cost (whichever is the lower) for a local Community Group to employ an architect or any other building professional, to prepare a feasibility study for building or environmental improvement projects or employment or other initiatives which have social benefit.  When such a study has been completed, the Community Group will have a clearer understanding of all the issues relating to building or environmental projects including their own requirements, responsibilities, long-term sustainability, timescales, programming, project management and will be in a stronger position to seek funds for the project itself from more major funders.  If required, assistance and advice from professional assessors can be made available from the pre-application stage to the completion of the study.

For more information visit their website or  Download an application form 

Triodos Opportunities Fund (UK)

Triodos is seeking to invest between £200,000 and £750,000 in social enterprises with a proven business model that are looking to grow their operations. They will work with companies to build on success and will focus on long-term development rather than short-term profits.

For more information Tel:  020 7138 3209 or vist their website

Firstport - Social Entrepreneurs Fund

This fund will run until March 2011 and is available to those who wish to establish new businesses with social purpose. Awards will be made at three levels ranging from £500 to £20,000 and the programme will work in conjunction with the current Scotland UnLtd awards scheme. Download the awards strategy or for more information on the fund contact Firstport by phone: 0131 220 0511 email: info@firstport.org.uk or visit their website. 

UnLtd - Social Enterprises Awards

UnLtd is a charity which supports social entrepreneurs  - people with vision, drive, commitment and passion who want to change the world for the better. They do this by providing a complete package of funding and support to  individuals (not organisations) to make their ideas a reality.  They have two levels of awards:

Level 1 Awards of between £500 and £5,000 to help make new ideas become real projects.  These awards are aimed at individuals or informal groups of people who have an idea and want help getting it off the ground. The money is to help with the running costs of the project.  To apply for a Level 1 Award you can complete their Level 1 Eligibility Questionnaire on-line, or contact them by phone: 0141 221 2322 to discuss your idea.

Level 2 Awards of up to £15,000 are made to support individuals whose ideas are already developed or pay for the living expenses of Award Winners to help them devote more time to their projects. These Awards are given out once in the spring and once in the autumn.  To apply for a Level 2 Award please contact UnLtd by phone: 0141 221 2322 or 0131 226 7333

International Grants (Comic Relief)

Africa is the focus for most of Comic Relief's international work as the continent has the highest levels of poverty and injustice in the world.  In 2009 - 2012 grants will be available that help:

1. Trade
2. People affected by HIV and AIDS
3. People affected by Conflict
4. Street and Working Children and Young People
5. People Living in Urban Slums
6. Women and Girls

For more informaiton, to download their International Grant's Strategy or to apply for a grant visit their website.

DFID Development Awareness Fund

The DFID Development Awareness Fund's Mini-Grants Programme 2010/11, managed by IDEAS, is aimed at organisations or networks undertaking 1-3 year projects which seek to raise awareness and understanding of international development issues, of our global interdependence, of the need for international development and of the progress that has been made and that is possible. Projects can be funded for one, two or three years. Grants will be for a minimum of £1,000 and a maximum of £10,000 per year.  To be eligible for funding, projects must be able to demonstrate how they will contribute to DFID’s development education and awareness aims. The programme has funded a wide range of activities in the past and particularly welcomes innovative projects that target new audiences. Projects must, however, have a global perspective or raise awareness of international development.  There is an annual deadline of 30th October.

For more information and to see a list of current projects visit the IDEAS forum or the DFID website. 
or contact: IDEAS, Princes House, 5 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4RG;  tel: 0131 656 0453; email: ideas@ideas-forum.org.uk

European Citizenship Programme 2007-2013

This programme supports a wide range of activities and organisations promoting “active European citizenship”.  It supports four main types of actions, including:

1. Active Citizens for Europe: involving citizens either through activities linked to town-twinning or through other kinds of citizens' projects.
2. Active civil society in Europe: targeted to civil society organisations either through structural support on the basis of their European level work programme or through support to projects.
3. Together for Europe: including high visibility events, studies and information tools.
4. Active European Remembrance: support to projects aiming at preserving the sites and archives associated with deportations as well as the commemorating of victims of Nazism and Stalinism.

There is no closing date and the programme will end on 31 December 2013.  For more information about this programme or to apply visit their website

Comunn na Gàidhlig

Gaelic Innovation Scheme

Can provide funding of up to £15,000 to assist new Gaelic-related projects and innovations which might be brought to the marketplace and which relates to at least one of the following key sectors of the Highlands and Islands economy:

• Creative industries
• Energy
• Financial and business services
• Food and drink
• Life sciences
• Tourism

Any company or organisation operating in the private or third-sector, based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise region which has a new project demonstrating new and innovative thought and of which Gaelic is an intrinsic element and which could have an impact on and could be applied to the commercial sector can apply.
This funding is only open to organisations and individuals based in the Highlands & Islands Enterprise areas.  Open until September 2010. 

For more information visit their website 

Community Regeneration Scheme

This fund will give up to £10,000 to communities looking to utilise Gaelic in community regeneration in the Highlands and Islands.  Social enterprises, charitable organisations, community organisations can apply for money for projects which include Gaelic as the intrinsic and prominent element, and which focus on the regenerating spoken Gaelic, promoting communities’ Gaelic identity, promoting cultural vitality, and projects which increase awareness and appreciation for Gaelic in the area and/or which act as cultural tourism initiatives.

Consideration will only be given to communities based in the Highlands & Islands Enterprise fragile areas.  To check which areas are eligible click here.  Open until September 2010.

For more information visit their website