New round of Environmental Pride funding made available!

A new round of Environmental Pride funding – which could see community groups receive grants of up-to £5000 – has been made available.

The climate-themed community fund – a joint initiative run by City of Doncaster Council and St Leger Homes – 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 two categories, with groups invited to apply for one or both of the two funding streams available.

• Category 1 invites groups to apply for funding if their project demonstrates it will provide physical improvements to the natural environment (£100-£5000)
• Category 2 invites groups to apply for funding if their project involves hosting an event or an activity within a public open space, that contains a physical element such as walking. (Up-to £1000). This category funding stream is a Get Doncaster Moving initiative.

On top of the 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: "It's been a delight to see first-hand what previous successful applicants of this funding have been able to create – not just with the funding, but with the support of extra volunteers and council support.

"This help is there for all. Even if you haven't yet formed a community group and are just looking to get something going in your community, get your interest in, let us know and if nothing else we can support you in the creation of that group and get that project or event started."

Chief Executive at St Leger Homes, Dave Richmond said: "We're delighted to be involved once again in this amazing project. It's been fantastic to see some of the great work our tenants and communities have done with the funding and support so far – I can't wait to see the results this time around."

Recent successful applicants have included the Bawtry and Austerfield for Health and Wellbeing community group. The group received Environmental Pride funding to provide a community allotment space.

Community Connector for Bawtry and Austerfield Wellbeing Project, Lorna Bagilhole, said: "The Bawtry and Austerfield Wellbeing group was set up to help the community provide clubs and activities to promote the health and wellbeing and it was my job to find a gap in our provision really, (find) what was happening already, (find) where the gaps are and this was a gap. There was nothing for the community, outdoors, gardening, so we were given the plot by the town council, and it's grown from there.

"(A project like this) is slow going at first. You have to get people on-board with the idea, people don't know where it is so there is a lot of explaining in what we are about but, it's brilliant. The people I have met through doing this have been amazing. The fact you are giving back and it's not just for you, I'll be able to take an onion from here and some carrots, but the amount of produce will be for other people. That's great."
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 and Parish councils (Category 2 funding only),
• Tenant clubs and Associations

The application process will take place through a 10-minute expression of interest online survey. Online submissions will be reviewed every fortnight to decide whether applicants will be invited to the next stage. If so, applicants will then be invited in for a project chat on 20th June to discuss further their idea (alternative options available). Please note, support over phone or email will be available throughout the application window and will also include a remaining in-person and online 'drop-in' workshop session. The details for this session are below:

30th May (both in-person and online) – between 13:00 and 16:00 - sign up here

For more information – and to apply – visit our website:

https://www.yourlifedoncaster.co.uk/environmental-pride

To contact the team – please use the following details:

• Email: EnvironmentalPride@doncaster.gov.uk
• Phone: 01302 736319 OR 01302 736068

The programme is led by St Leger Homes, Get Doncaster Moving and City of Doncaster Council, with active participation from Voluntary Action Doncaster, private companies identified by Doncaster Chamber, Travis Perkins, EQUANS, Amey and E.N. North.