If you’re looking to get a community project off the ground, the North Devon Coast AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) is now open to applications for grant funding.
A total of £25,000 is available this financial year, with up to a £5,000 grant for individual projects. The priority themes for this year are for projects which will help provide a greater understanding and knowledge of the coastal and inland geology of the North Devon AONB and its biodiversity, including all wildlife, plants and habitats. In addition to this, other projects which meet the priorities of the AONB Management Plan 2014/19 are also very welcome.
The North Devon Coast AONB Sustainable Development Fund is a regional grants scheme, funded by Defra for projects of all sizes. It is available to individuals, charities, community groups and businesses that have a project idea that will improve or benefit the North Devon Coast AONB both now and in the future.
Over the last few years, the SDF has helped fund a variety of projects including the installation of solar panels on a community centre, a cycle/recycle scheme, a Bioblitz, coastal educational opportunities for schools and the ‘Glorious Oyster’ seafood shack, recently nominated as a finalist for BBC Food and Farming Award.
“SDF grants enable the AONB to support community projects which have a positive and direct local impact, and which meet local needs” said Terry Green, SDF Panel Chairman. “The fund aims to encourage and support community based projects with particular focus on the environment, community and/or local economy. This year we hope once again that SDF funding will provide the financial stimulus without which worthwhile and deserving projects might not get off the ground.”
You do not have to live or work within the AONB to be eligible for the SDF grant, but you will need to be able to demonstrate that your project will have a positive impact within the North Devon Coast AONB. There is a short application form for grants up to £500, and a full application for projects requesting over £500, which must also provide match funding of cash or in-kind contributions. Applications are invited from now until December 2016 with spend and project delivery completed by the end of January 2017.
For guidance and application forms:
Or contact:
Gigha Klinkenborg on 01271 388647 or gigha.klinkenborg@devon.gov.uk
This spectacular coastal area, which covers some 66 square miles from the boundary of Exmoor National Park at Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth on the Cornish border, was designated as an AONB in 1959
Further information about the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be found on www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk or www.explorethecoast.org
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