Sustainable Development Fund
The Sustainable Development Fund makes a funding available to community organisations, charities, sole traders/businesses, parish councils and other public bodies in the North Pennines.
What is the Sustainable Development Fund?
The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) can contribute to projects that support the purpose of AONB designation ie the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty in the North Pennines. Projects should also bring environmental, economic and social benefit to the area. Funding for SDF has come from Defra, via Natural England.
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development in the North Pennines AONB will promote, enhance (and conserve) the environmental, economic and community well being of the area - the aim is to ensure an improved quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations.
- Achieving sustainable development will normally require working towards four, interconnected, goals:
- social progress which meets the needs of everyone; protecting and enhancing the environment;
- ensuring a diverse and prosperous rural economy (which supports the conservation and enhancement of the area's special qualities);
- and the prudent use of natural resources.
Who can apply?
The SDF is open to community organisations, charities, sole traders or businesses, parish councils, and other public bodies.
What can be funded by SDF?
The AONB Partnership is inviting people to come forward with innovative project ideas. Initiatives that are based within or benefit the North Pennines AONB, which aim to support environmental, social and economic prosperity could be eligible for funding of between £300 and £1000 for small grants and £1,000 and £30,000 for full SDF.
Suitable projects might include: appropriate renewable/green energy schemes; sustainable transport projects; innovative products or initiatives connected to land management; community youth schemes with an environmental or heritage aspect; nature, landscape or historic environment conservation activities; sustainable tourism projects, including infrastructure or product development; and projects which directly address actions in the AONB Management Plan.
- Projects which have environmental, social and economic benefit will have the highest chance of success.
How much can be applied for?
Small Grants
- Minimum grant £300; Maximum grant £1000
- Funding up to 50% of projects with a maximum overall value of £5000
Full SDF
- Minimum grant £1,000; Maximum grant: £30,000
- For Parish Councils, charities and community groups: up to 75% grant, 25% admissible as volunteer time
- For businesses: up to 50% with the remainder in cash
- For public bodies: up to 25% with the remainder in cash
How to apply
Small Grants
Applicants will be asked to fill in a simple one stage application.
Full SDF
Applicants will initially be asked to fill in a simple 'Expression of Interest' form.
Pre-application advice will also be offered by a member of the North Pennines AONB Partnership Staff Unit, based in Stanhope. All applications are assessed by an AONB Partnership panel.
- To download full SDF Guidelines and Expression of Interest form or Small Grant Application form click on the links in the downloads box
How to find out more?
Contact the AONB Staff Unit on 01388 528801 (info@northpenninesaonb.org.uk) for more details and information. Additional information on availability of funds is advertised in local press and on the What's New section of the website.
- Related
- Downloads
