Grants for community organisations
In addition to sources of funding available via local authority applications, numerous grants exist that are only open to residents and community groups. This is particularly significant as funding raised via the local authority may not cover all aspects of a home zone proposal, and it may be a case of applying to a variety of funds to develop different elements of a home zone scheme. For example, residents may need to seek separate funding for artwork to be incorporated into a home zone.
A list of potential sources of funding available to community groups is given below, including several from the Big Lottery Fund. Other sources may be found on the Government Funding website which includes a search engine of government grants for the voluntary and community sector. Each London borough has a Council for Voluntary Service which may provide information on funding programmes specific to the locality - further details.
Linking a home zone proposal to other related initiatives such as Safe Routes to Schools may also provide other opportunities for funding.
List of potential funding sources
Last updated September 2007.
Awards for All
Region: England
Who can apply? Not-for-profit groups, parish or town councils, schools, health bodies.
Amount available (per project): £300-£10000
Information: The types of projects funded include creation of a community gardens, community heritage and involving more people in a community event.
Further information: link
Changing Spaces (Big Lottery Fund)
Region: England.
Who can apply? Not currently known. Check website for updates (see link below)
Amount available (per project): Not currently known. Check website for updates (see link below)
Information: The programme has three priority areas including "Community Spaces". Examples of projects that may be funded include those that aim to 1) encourage a sense of ownership and civic pride by increasing the capacity of communities to plan, develop and run projects that improve their local environments, or 2) create good quality community spaces where a wide range of activities can take place benefiting a lot of people in different ways, or 3) encourage people to use community spaces by improving access to them and developing local awareness of them.
Application deadline: Due to be open for applications in Summer 2007
Further information: link
It's Your Community (The Conservation Foundation)
Region: UK
Who can apply? Local amenity groups, parish and village councils, youth clubs, heritage groups, environmental and conservation groups, individuals.
Amount available (per project): £100 - £1000
Information: Provides funding for projects that meet any of the following objectives: 1) Community Places - improving the places communities share; 2) Community People - helping bring people together; 3) Community Pride - tackling issues head on and restoring a sense of pride; 4) Community Landscape - improving communities' natural environments.
Application deadline: No deadline.
Further information: link
Landfill Tax Credit Scheme
Region: UK
Who can apply? Not-for-profit organisations which are not controlled by a local authority or landfill operator registered for landfill tax.
Amount available (per project): Varies.
Information: Funds are generated as a way of mitigating the effects of landfill on local communities. Grants are available to support a wide range of environmental projects. There are a number of ways to access funding including approaching Distributive Environmental Bodies (D-EB) who help other organisations to access the landfill tax credit scheme.
Application deadline: Various.
Further information: link
Reaching Communities (Big Lottery Fund)
Region: England.
Who can apply? Registered charity, voluntary or community group, statutory body (including schools), charitable or not-for-profit company, a social enterprise.
Amount available (per project): £10,000 - £500,000
Information: Projects can meet any of the following four outcomes: 1) people having better chances in life, including being able to get better access to training and development to improve their life skills; 2) strong communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems; 3) improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy; 4) healthier and more active people and communities.
Application deadline: No deadline.
Further information: link
The People's Millions (Big Lottery Fund)
Region: UK
Who can apply? Voluntary and community groups, local authorities, schools, statutory health bodies, social enterprises.
Amount available (per project): Up to £80,000+ VAT.
Information: The programme funds community-based projects that aim to achieve one or more of the following: 1) make the local environment cleaner, safer or greener; 2) improve the local natural environment; 3) improve the design/appearance/accessibility of local amenities; 4) provide opportunities or facilities for enjoying the local environment or local amenities.
Application deadline: Deadline for 2007 has passed. 2008 deadline not yet known.
Further information: link
