Short-term, designated funding is available for new projects, or significant expansions of existing projects, in Great Britain that improve biodiversity and outdoor spaces.
The Trust aims to provide financial support for charities and good causes which help communities enhance their natural environment in a way that benefits the wider community.
In 2018 Postcode Local Trust will provide short-term, designated funding for local projects which support improve biodiversity and outdoor spaces such as:
- Community gardens and play areas using sustainable materials.
- Outdoor education and heritage.
- Green energy projects and flood prevention.
Grants range from £500 to £20,000.
The following funding levels apply to specific applicants:
- Applicants that are not formally registered as a charity with OSCR/Charity Commission can apply for between £500 and £2,000 in funding.
- Applicants that are registered with OSCR/Charity Commission and can provide a charity number can apply for between £500 and £20,000 in funding.
The amount of funding requested from the Trust must be more than 10% of the overall project cost.
Grassroots organisations, local charities and non-profit community businesses that are seeking to effect positive change within their local area in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible to apply.
The following organisations can apply for grants of between £500 and £2,000:
- Companies limited by guarantee with a non-profit purpose.
- Constituted voluntary organisation with no charity number.
- Community Interest Company with no charity number.
- Constituted sports group with no charity number.
- Organisations with tax exempt status but no registered charity number.
The following types of organisations can apply for grants of between £500 and £20,000:
- Charities registered with the Charities Commission or OSCR.
The Trust will consider applications from branches of national charities if the branch has its own charity registration number. However, this does not extend to local Wildlife Trusts.
All applicants must be able to provide proof they are a constituted organisation and have an organisation bank account.
All registered charities, with an income above £25,000, should have a financial reserves strategy in place.
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Organisations currently in receipt of funding from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, including previous grant recipients who have not submitted a project evaluation form.
- Existing projects (unless significant expansion).
- Bodies seeking to distribute grants/funds to others.
- Organisations with restricted or exclusive memberships.
- Applications where Postcode Local Trust funding would be less than 10% of the overall project cost.
- Organisations that have previously breached their funding agreement with Postcode Local Trust.
- Political parties or party political activities.
- Projects that promote religion.
- Schools (except for special schools), PTAs, nurseries, and universities/colleges.
- Lunch clubs, mother and toddler and after-school groups.
- Individuals.
- Feasibility studies.
- Foreign travel.
- General marketing appeals or sponsorship.
- Medical research, advice and equipment.
- End of life or palliative care.
- Short-term projects such as events, conferences, day trips, seminars, galas or festivals.
- Training or educational workshops that do not result in a tangible outcome for participants.
- Building renovations/general refurbishment.
- Installations of toilets, showers, lifts or changing rooms.
- Organisations that appear to have excessive unrestricted or free reserves and no policy to reflect the rationale behind this.
- Projects or activities that the state has a legal obligation to provide.
Eligible Expenditure
The funding is for new projects, or significant expansions of existing projects, in Great Britain. The projects can be up to 12 months in length.
Projects should improve biodiversity and outdoor spaces, such as:
- Community gardens and play areas using sustainable materials.
- Outdoor education and heritage.
- Green energy projects and flood prevention.
How To Apply
The programme has two funding rounds and an online two-stage application process involving an expression of interest form. Those who are successful at the initial stage will be invited to complete a full application.
The dates for Round 2 funding (2018) are:
- Stage 1: 1 August – 15 August
- Stage 2: 5 September – 19 September
The online application form is only available during the Stage 1 dates. – View here
As this is a ‘vastly’ oversubscribed fund, groups are strongly encouraged to read the guidance notes before starting the application process.
Application end date: Wed 15th August