Two New Sources of Environmental Funding

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To All Potential Partners!

Two New Sources of Funding for Environmental Projects: 2007/08
We are writing to let you know about two new sources of funding for environmental projects from the Scottish Executive under the banner of Natural Scotland: It's Our Future. The Environmental Justice Fund has £2 million available for communities, and The Community Environmental Renewal Scheme has some £1.75 million. The schemes are being managed by Forward Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Executive, and will run for one year to the end of March 2008.

Both schemes were launched today, 5 March 2007, and will support projects that help communities enjoy their local environment and become more involved in the amenities and activities it provides, as well as the issues and decision-making that surrounds it. We hope this will lead to communities becoming stronger, safer and more inclusive. Although applications can be made to both schemes, projects may only receive an award from one of the funds.

The Environmental Justice Fund (EJF)
Grants of between £100,000 and £500,000 will be available to improve the quality of local environments in communities that suffer the effects of negative environmental impacts such as past or present industry, pollution or other damaging activities. We are particularly keen to see applications submitted from community organisations such as Community Councils or local community/voluntary groups, although a range of organisations are eligible to apply, including local authorities and other agencies. However, awards will only be made where local communities are fully engaged in the design and delivery of the project. Projects typically supported by EJF will follow two themes: community facilities and amenities; and landscape, access and biodiversity. Partnership funding, whilst welcome, is not a requirement.

The Community Environmental Renewal Scheme (CERS)
The Community Environmental Renewal Scheme will award grants of up to £100,000 to support projects within communities that can demonstrate that they have been affected by local aggregates extraction activities, and which will improve the local environment for and with communities. Similarly to EJF, partnership funding is not a requirement, and the scheme aims to directly support community organisations in delivering their projects. There is no minimum grant size and projects typically supported by CERS will be directed at the provision, restoration, protection or the promotion of understanding of one or more of the following three themes: landscape, habitats and local biodiversity; the built or cultural environment, including historic, geological or archaeological heritage; and community recreational amenities.

Important dates
The first deadline for both schemes is 25 April 2007, and successful projects will receive a decision around 8 weeks later. There will be a final deadline in June for both schemes, although there is a desire that the majority of funds will be committed in the first round to allow the maximum time for project completion. All awards must be spent by March 2008.

What next?
Organisations who wish to submit an application are encouraged to contact Forward Scotland and discuss their project in the first instance. Further details of the schemes and application packs can be obtained from:

The Web: www.forward-scotland.org.uk/funding
By Telephone: 0870 974 2324 (CERS)
0870 974 2325 (EJF)
(calls are charged at local rates)
By Email: cers@forward-scotland.org.uk
ejf@forward-scotland.org.uk
By Post: c/o Forward Scotland, The Lodge
Earlsgate House, St Ninian's Road
Stirling , FK8 2HE

Theo Leijser

Chief Executive, Forward Scotland