BULLETIN BOARD

Here members display short items of news, information or opinion. Members wishing to use this page, which will be updated regularly, should contact the GreenWeb Coordinator.

GreenWeb exercises editorial control to exclude irrelevant or offensive material and reserves the right to select and shorten submitted material.

Daily environment and wildlife news from further afield is available from Habitat, The Guardian, and The Times.  We also recommend Cynnal Cymru-Sustain Wales' monthly on-line newsletter GloballySusDCymru.
 

 News                         Jobs                    Grants                

Unused Hydropower

The Environment Agency has published a report with maps (link not working 10/3) for Wales and England showing 26,000 locations where a hydropower turbine could theoretically generate green electricity - potentially enough for 850,000 homes.  With the new feed-in tariff such sites could become an attractive income generators as long as environmental safeguards are met.

Added 10 Mar 2010

Woodlands for Wales

WAG and the Forestry Commission have published the five-year action plan to accompany last year's Woodlands in Wales strategy.

Added 4 Mar 2010

Have your say on new legislation about Waste and Recycling

A National Assembly for Wales’ Legislation Committee is calling for evidence to help with their consideration of new legislation about Waste and Recycling.  The deadline for responses is Friday 23 April 2010.  This is a measure (a Welsh law) to make provision to reduce the amount of waste and litter in Wales and contribute to the development of more effective waste management arrangements.  The areas of consideration are: 1 - How the revenue raised by any charges for single-use carrier bags should be spent – should it be put towards environmental projects?  2 - Local Authority waste and re-cycling targets. 3 - Local Authority use of landfill sites.  Responses should be sent to legislationoffice@wales.gsi.gov.uk and further information can be found here 

Added 4 Mar 10

A Robin Hood Tax?

Why not sign up for a campaign for a 0.05% tax on banking transactions between financial institutions that could raise billions to fight poverty, protect public services and tackle climate change.  Visit www.robinhoodtax.org.uk.

Added 4 Mar 10

Biodiversity Events

A Bio Blitz at Nelson Wern (ST117956) will be taking place on Sunday 6 June 2010, 10am-4pm (provisional time), run by Caerphilly CBC and SEWBReC.  The survey area will cover 14ha of mixed habitat of wet woodland, meadows, ponds and streams.  Bat detecting and moth trapping sessions are scheduled for the previous evening.  Please register your interest with either alice.britt@sewbrec.org.uk or beverd@caerphilly.gov.uk. 

There is also a hoverflies training event organised by National Museum Wales on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 April 2010 at the National Museum, Cardiff. The course fee is £25.  Contact mike.wilson@museumwales.ac.uk.

Added 4 Mar 10

Accessibility at Railway Stations

If you are to some extent disabled or care for someone disabled you may wish to provide evidence to a National Assembly committee inquiry into this matter.  Responses should be sent to equality.comm@wales.gsi.gov.uk and further information can be found here.  Deadline 1 April 2010.

Added 1 Mar 10

Llangattock Biodiesel Club

Just outside our county, this National Park community group has 14 members and has distributed 1800 litres of fuel in two months - at a cost of less than 90p/litre.  See www.llangattockgreenvalleys.org for more information.

Added 1 Mar 10

Working with Children and Young People

WCVA has a one-day course at the QED Centre, Pontypridd  on 19 April 2010 (or The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells on 29 April) on the CRU's Vetting and Barring Scheme.  Contact help@wcva.org.uk or 0800 2888 329.  See 7 Dec below.

Added 25 Feb 10

The Oil Crunch Report

Added 23 Feb 10

Added 23 Feb 10

Well Done, Monmouthshire

A recent survey by Keep Wales Tidy has shown a big improvement in litter-picking and street cleaning in the county, compared with 2007/08.  The County Council, the local Tidy Towns Project funded by WAG, and support from other agencies and members of the public must take the credit.

Added 20 Feb 09

An Extra LDP Consultation

The County Council is now inviting informal comment on a report on the consultations they undertook last year on their Preferred Strategy.  It is available on the Council's web site along with other new information including assessments of 'candidate sites' adjacent to or near Main or Secondary Settlements.  Village sites will be the subject of a further informal consultation at the end of April.  Deadline: Friday, 19 March 2010.  Formal consultation on the Deposit Plan is expected in the coming summer.

Added 20 Feb 09

Could Your Local Authority Do Better?

This new DEFRA/Local Government Association guide, while seemingly aimed at English local authorities, should be useful to Welsh councils and to those in their electorate who want to improve the councils' response to climate change.

Added 12 Feb 10

WAG Could Do Better

The GloballySusDCymru newsletter reports the Auditor General's view that the Welsh Assembly Government still sees sustainable development (SD) as one of a number of competing priorities, rather than as an approach that will help WAG choose between competing priorities.  Neither has WAG used SD as a means of changing the culture of the organisation.  However, WAG's recent adoption of SD as its central organising principle could herald progress.

Added 11 Feb 10

The Cultural Olympiad

The Valleys have been selected as one of the areas for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad's "Discovering Places" programme which will provide a wonderful opportunity to promote the environment and heritage of the valleys using the Olympic movement.  That part of Monmouthshire in or close to the Blaenavon World Heritage site and the related Forgotten Landscapes project should be able to participate.  Essentially the Valleys Partnership wishes to organise a series of environment and heritage events across the valleys as part of this to promote our fantastic countryside and heritage to the UK and the world. They can be large or small and it all starts with the Discovering Places Weekend 2010: 1 - 3 May, 2010.  Contact David Llewellyn on 01443 849963 - before 12 February for the May event.

Added 6 Feb 10

Tintern Hydro Scheme Approved

Planning permission has been granted for TAP's controversial community hydro-electric project on the Angiddy river at Tintern.

Added 3 Feb 10

River Plan Approved

The Environment Agency's River Basin Management Plan for the Severn catchment area, including the Usk and Wye, has been approved by Ministers and can be accessed here.  The plan is mainly about the improvement of the quality of the rivers of the basin.

Added 27 Jan 10

'Gateway Monmouth'

The county council is asking for ideas on how the space between the old and new Monnow bridges, including the area previously the subject of  a Welcome Centre proposal, could be improved.  Submissions are invited by 12 March 2010, after which some will be exhibited.  Much more information here.

Added 27 Jan 10

Seedy Sunday

A new group, Abergavenny Climate Action, will be launched on 7 March 2010 (2.00 - 5.00).  The event, at Trinity Church Hall, will be primarily an exchange of seeds and plants ready for the new growing season, but more is being planned.  If you can help in any way contact Richard Lewis - 01873 854662.  A second launch event will be a showing of the inspiring film about Cuba 'The Power of Community' at St Michael's Centre at 7.30 on 26 March 2010.  Membership contact: lizziebarnett1@btinternet.com or Laurie Jones on 01873 851299.

Added 25 Jan 10 and 6 Feb 10

Living Churchyards

The latest newsletter of the Gwent Wildlife Trust's Living Churchyards Project is available here.

Added 20 Jan 10

Tourism Brochure

Local residents as well as potential visitors may find the 2010 Wye Valley and Vales of Usk tourism brochure an interesting read.  Walkers will be interested to watch out for the programme for a ten day Walking Festival, 22 - 31 October 2010, at www.walkinginmonmouthshire.co.uk.

Added 16 Jan 10

Beacons Green Energy Project Wins £300,000

After two years of preparatory work, the Brecon Beacons-based Green Valleys Project to cut carbon emissions (see 10 Mar 09 below) has been rewarded with £300,000 to invest in more micro-hydroelectric schemes - one of only three winners of the Big Green Challenge, and the only one in Wales.

Added 13 Jan 10

Communities Suitable for the Elderly

Added 12 Jan 10

Join the Network?

Added 12 Jan 10

Show the Age of Stupid

WAG in partnership with WCVA is offering community and third sector organisations an opportunity to screen the climate change film - Age of Stupid. They are offering £250 per group to arrange a screening. This funding is to cover the cost of community venue hire, light refreshments and the film licence for public showing (a legal requirement). If you are interested in this opportunity then please send for an application pack available by telephoning the WCVA Helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 or emailing policy@wcva.org.uk.  Funding is limited and awarded on a first come first served basis. All events must be held before the end of March 2010.

Added 8 Jan 10

Watch Out for the Birds

Remember that if you start feeding the birds and giving them water during the current very harsh weather, keep it up and they will get used to visiting your garden.

If you don't know your birds you may be interested in one of Ian Smith's Gwent Ornithological Society courses.

Added 8/12 Jan 10 

Congratulations

To Rev Jean Prosser of GreenWeb members, the Village Alive Trust, awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.

Added 5 Jan 10

Media Opportunities

BBC Wales is offering charities 30 seconds of free radio or TV airtime plus media training.  Applications by June 2010 for broadcasting in 2011.  Go to www.bbc.co.uk/wales and click on 'charities'.

Meanwhile Mon TV is offering an eight-week part-time course in video production.  Eight free places left. Contact Charlotte Hancocks (01600 713424).

Added 4 Jan 10, 1 Mar 10

Monmouthshire Signs Up to 10:10

Added 21 Dec 09

Wales Not Doing Enough?

With the international near-failure at Copenhagen, we learn from the Western Mail that a National Assembly paper shows that Wales reduced its carbon emissions by only 9.5% 1990 - 2007, and therefore needs to reduce emissions by a further 10.5% to achieve WAG's target of being 20% below the 1990 baseline by 2010.  Wales' figures are very subject to the vagaries of the energy industry, and the recession may help, but the prospects of success do not seem encouraging.  Meanwhile a Sustainable Development Commission report shows that WAG itself, as an organisation, also needs to do better, making insufficient progress to meet its own 2010 target, except in reducing waste and use of green electricity tariffs.

Wales also looks likely to be missing its 2010 target of halting the loss of biodiversity.  Interest groups blame a shortage of funds for safeguarding habitats.

Added 21 Dec 09

MCC Wins Award

Monmouthshire County Council has won a prestigious Gold Green Apple Award. The Council won the top award for Councils in Wales for its Wentwood Timber Centre. The centre processes local hardwood timbers for supply into local businesses. The Green Apple Awards are presented annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities carrying out projects that enhance the environment.

Added 7 Dec 09

Working with Children?

If your organisation works with children you need to be up-to-date with the latest Enhanced CRB check requirements.  To download the Vetting and Barring Scheme Guidance or Referral Guidance please visit www.isa-gov.org.uk or contact WCVA CRU on 0800 0197391 or www.wcva-cru.org.uk. 

Added 7 Dec 09

Guide for Groups on Working with the Council

The Community Development Foundation has published this free guide, Green Up! (download from here).  It provides community groups (at least in England) with everything they need to work productively with their councils on environment and sustainability issues. It is a plain English guide that explains how community groups can get their work supported, but be aware that the jargon and processes can be very different in Wales. 

Added 7 Dec 09

Prosiect Gwyrdd

A short newsletter tells you more about this regional project for dealing with residual waste.  The project is technology neutral but there are fears that the successful bid will come from operators of 'energy from waste' (i.e. incinerator) plants.  Many doubt the energy potential and feel that other technologies encourage more recycling, emit less CO2, are less risky to health and could require less transport of waste. 

Added 26 Nov 09

Bus Guide Out

A new Monmouthshire Bus Guide Update is available at One Stop Shops, TICs and Libraries or by clicking here.

Added 21 Nov 09

Added 12 Nov 09

Climate Change Exhibition to Borrow

A 14 X A0 board exhibition entitled 'Climate Change: What's Occurring?' that has been touring Wales will be available free of charge from mid December.  Contact Elaine Rees, University of Glamorgan - 01443 654531.

Added 12 Nov 09

Charges for Plastic Bags

Following consultations Jane Davidson, Environment Minister, has announced that by May 201, at the latest, Wales will be the first part of the UK where shoppers must pay up to 15p for a 'throwaway' plastic shopping bag.  Details will be determined next year, but it is intended that at least large retailers will manage the collection of charges and distribution of the money raised to good causes.  Smaller traders are particularly concerned about the implications for them and local authorities are to be responsible for enforcing the scheme.  Bags for meat, fish and medicines will be exempt.

Added 4 Nov 09

£60k for Monmouthshire Transport Studies

SEWTA, the regional transport alliance, has awarded the County Council the following funding: £15k for more design work on the Monmouth Links walking and cycling project; £15k for more work on the scheme for Severn Tunnel Junction; and £30k for looking at the feasibility of park and ride on the Chepstow and Abergavenny rail lines.

Added 4 Nov 09

Latest Recorders' Newsletter

The latest Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders' Newsletter may be read here.  It includes an article on the birdlife of the Neddern Valley.

Added 29 Oct 09

Responses to WAG Waste Strategy

WAG has published 61 pages of responses it received to its draft waste strategy 'Towards Zero Waste', issued last April.  You can read the responses here here.

Added 22 Oct 09

Training Events

Natur's Training Bulletin provides information on some of the courses, etc available across Wales this winter.

Added 20 Oct 09

Countryside Volunteer Newsletter

The Autumn edition of this County Council newsletter is available at www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/countryside.  It has a new look and Morag Sinton, Countryside Volunteer Coordinator, would welcome your comments.

Added 5 Oct 09

Host a Green Communities Training Course

The Energy Saving Trust Green Communities service (formally CAfE) is giving community groups the opportunity to host their own Green Communities course.  By hosting a training event, Green Communities will be able to provide your group with a bespoke course enabling you to improve your knowledge of energy and develop a community energy project. Best of all it’s free of charge!  Green Communities will provide a trainer, the training resources and manuals. As hosts, all you have to find is a venue and the delegates. They can also provide up to £150 towards lunch and refreshments for your group.  Speak to one of their advisors on 0844 848 0077 or email.  Visit www.est.org.uk/community.

Added 1 Oct 09

New Campaigning Guide

Campaigning is OK! they may not always like it, but it gets things done, is an excellent guide to campaigning by community and voluntary organisations. It is based on findings from 8 regional events and shows why campaigns matter to the sector, even if they aren't always given that label, what support bodies can do to help, and some useful pointers such as a 90 minute work-out on how to plan a successful campaign.

Added 14 Aug 09

Micro-generation Escapes Planning

WAG Minister Jane Davidson has announced that from September Welsh households will not need planning permission for certain types of domestic micro-generation equipment including solar thermal panels and ground and water source heat pumps.  For details consult your local planning authority.

Added 7 Aug 09

Climate Change Predictions

For the latest climate change predictions click here and here.  Note that Monmouthshire changes are likely to be closer to the averages for adjoining English regions than those for Wales.  The latest predictions have prompted the Welsh Association of National Park Authorities to stress the vulnerability of the Parks and the importance of mitigating and adapting to the effects.

Added 19 June 09

New Rules for Sustainable Building

In a pioneering move WAG has announced proposed changes that will mean that from 1 September 2009 most new buildings proposed for planning permission will have to meet a national standard for sustainability.  The standard for new homes will be 31% higher than under current building regulations. 

Added 8 May 09
 

MCC's Climate Change and Energy Strategy

Click here to see the County Council's strategy for responding to climate change and the need for much greater energy efficiency.  The council has now got internal groups and community groups working on short term action plans to start to deliver the strategy.  Their reports are here.

Added 12 Apr 08

Energy Jobs

Severn Wye Energy Agency is based at Highnam in the Forest of Dean.  They are looking for a project manager to develop/implement renewable energy projects, a  project worker to support the development of sustainable energy projects and affordable warmth, and an energy advice person (based in Swindon) to advise householders on energy saving measures.  Closing date 11 March 2010.

Added 4 Mar 09

CPRW Need Local Secretary

The Monmouthshire Branch of CPRW is looking for an Hon. Secretary to help to co-ordinate their campaigning activities for the protection of Monmouthshire's rural landscape and economy.  In addition to the routine tasks of supporting the Branch Committee by taking Minutes etc. their Secretary acts as the hub for communications within the Branch, with CPRW HQ and with a wide range of public and voluntary bodies.  (Increasingly all communication is computer-based, so a broadband connection and some basic word processing skills have now become essential.)   Please contact Bill Butler or ring 01600 860495.

Added 20 Oct 09

CCW Helps Volunteering

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) offers support to work placements, shadowing and volunteering in the environmental sector for minority groups. A variety of activities are available for example, visitor survey; conservation surveys; communications; events; interpretation & information; office administration; footpaths; committees and sustainable development.  Brecon Beacons National Park Authority are delivering the scheme on behalf of CCW.  For further information please contact work.placement@breconbeacons.org or Clare Parsons 01874 620434.

Added 21 May 09

Sustainable Wales is seeking additional Trustees.  They meet four times a year at Porthcawl to provide support, advice, information, guidance and accountability.  Expenses paid.  See www.sustainablewales.org.uk.

The Brecon Beacons National Park has a Millennium Volunteers recruitment scheme for those aged 16-24.  Support for travel expenses, lunch, refreshments, childcare.  Training in countryside management, access, wildlife habitats, visitor services from the end of September.  Many full-time staff started as volunteers.  Contact millenniumvolunteers@breconbeacons.org or ring Ceri Bevan on 01874 620471.

Monmouthshire CC is keen to attract Public Rights of Way Maintenance Volunteers, who help, preferably weekly, with maintenance and improvement tasks on promoted routes, and Pathcare Volunteers, who regularly check designated routes and undertake simple tasks.  Training, tools, insurance and travel allowance provided.  Surveying, Waymarking and Ploughing/Cropping Volunteers are also often needed.  Contact Volunteer Co-ordinator, moragsinton@monmouthshire.gov.uk,  on 01633 644663.

GreenWeb also would welcome new committee members.  If you are interested in contributing to the future of the network and can represent one of our member organisations please contact Dick Cole.

Planning Aid Wales is looking for new volunteer members of its Board of Directors.  PAW supports groups and individuals to play a more effective role in the planning system, and is looking for people with expertise in relevant fields.  Contact Neil Harris on 029 2087 6222 or HarrisNR@cardiff.ac.uk.

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Grants News
 

Assorted Grants

We are now providing a link to the Countryside Council for Wales' monthly Funding Newsletter.  WCVA's sustainable funding website can be accessed here.  Regeneration & Renewal' journal has an online version of its A-Z of funding which offers a comprehensive directory of the funding and finance available for regeneration. The Green Grants Machine provides information for companies here.

Here are some other links to useful sources of grants: Environment Wales; the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust (up to £2,000 for local organisations); the Dulverton Trust (up to £25,000 for wildlife habitats), the Garfield Weston Foundation, HBOS Foundation (local grants of up to £10,000), the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation (£200 - 5000), the Wakeham Trust (up to £750 for small community projects unable to find funds elsewhere), the Idlewild Trust (mainly historic buildings, but check for web site update), the Woodland Trust (up to £100 for community tree planting), the Ashden Trust (£1 - 20,000 for a variety of projects), the Jephcott Charitable Trust (£2 - 10,000 for projects with difficulty getting started or finding funding), the Conservation Foundation and O2 ('It's Your Community' - up to £10,000), the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the British Ecological Society, the Country Land and Business Association (grants of about £2,500), the Naturesave Trust (small start-up research and conservation projects dealing with causes rather than effects) and Triodos Bank (loans).
 

Future Jobs Fund

WCVA and Jobcentre Plus have introduced the FJF programme allowing third sector groups to gain extra funding and manpower (18-24 unemployed).  Contact gdervish@wcva.org.uk - 01745 357569.

Added 23 Feb 09

LEQ Grants

Grant applications are now invited for WAG Local Environmental Quality Improvement Projects for 2010/11.  £500,000 is available across Wales and the maximum grant is £30,000.  Preference will be given to new projects and evidence of joint working at a community level will help.  A wide range of projects such as litter campaigns, tidying up derelict land for community use, and community gardens have been successful in the past.  For full details contact Jane Corbett or Sonal Raulji - 029 2082 5581/6230.  Deadline: Friday, 5 March 2010.

Added 13 Feb 10

Environment Wales

The Environment Wales Climate Change Grant Fund (see also 5 Dec 09) has generated such interest that Environment Wales is making further funds available to help engage new audiences in this issue.  Their Climate Change Next Steps Fund is aimed at any group in the third sector – environmental or not - that wants to help others learn more about climate change or take practical action to reduce their carbon footprint.  Grants of up to £2,000 are available for areas such as training, workshops, activity days or public events. Applications will be judged on a first come first served basis, with faster assessment of grants of less than £1,000. The final date for applications is 1 March 2010. More details from 029 2043 1766 or info@environment-wales.org.

Added 6 Feb 10

Free Insurance and Grants

Keep Wales Tidy is now able to offer free insurance to volunteer groups undertaking practical environmental improvement as part of the Tidy Towns project.  Small grants for tools, etc are also available. Email or visit www.keepwalestidy.org/our-projects/1284/who-is-your-project-officer.

Added 6 Feb 09

Help for Helping SMEs Recycle

WRAP's Wales SME Recycling Support Grant Scheme is a new initiative designed to significantly increase recycling rates in Wales by providing financial support to organisations which are able to offer specialist recycling services for Welsh SMEs. Grants can support up to 30% of capital expenditure (and initial promotional costs) of a project, with funding available up to £50,000.  Further information here.

Added 27 Jan 10

Lets Walk Cymru

This is a new Wales-wide initiative developed in partnership with the Sports Council for Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government and Countryside Council for Wales - tasked with increasing the number of people participating in walking as a regular activity. It provides grants to organisations and groups across Wales. The programme seeks to explore innovative ways of promoting walking to improve health and wellbeing. There are three levels of grants available (ranging from £1K - £15K) and awarded reflecting the size & content of the project. Further information here.

Added 27 Jan 10

The Volvo Adventure

The Volvo Adventure - in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme - is an educational programme that rewards environmental activities and the decision-makers of the future. Two competitions are being run for young people aged 10-12 and 13-16 (as of 1 July 2009), working in small groups on environmental projects. The best projects are selected for an all expenses paid trip to Göteborg, Sweden where they can win cash prizes to support their projects. More information here.

Added 27 Jan 10

WAG Community RE Programme

The Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation Programme uses European Structural Funds to provide advice and grants to support the development of community-sized renewable energy schemes, through the Energy Saving Trust.  The programme aims to promote sustainable business growth and new business opportunities by enabling the establishment or further development of social enterprises based on community scale renewable energy installations.  Support consists of  local technical development officers, preparatory stage grants of up to £30,000, and capital grants of up to £300,000.  Further information here or from csreg@est.org.uk.

Added 25 Jan 10

CEDS 2010/11

The County Council is now inviting applications for grant under its 2010/11 Community and Economic Development Scheme.  £350,000 is available for capital projects; there is no revenue funding next year.  A better environment is one of the scheme's objectives.  Further details and the application form are here.  The closing date is 26 February 2010, with a 'surgery' arranged for 17 February.

Added 18 Jan 10

Added 13 Jan 10

WAG Community Facilities and Activities Programme

Voluntary and community groups and private not-for-profit companies in Wales are targeted through this capital grant programme. The objective is to fill gaps in finances after all other avenues of assistance have been explored. Grants will enable the provision of facilities within communities and support activities that help promote local area regeneration. Up to £100,000 per project may be awarded in any one financial year, or £300,000 in total over a three-year period. Applications are considered in two assessment rounds, which take place in April and October each year. The next closing date for submission of applications is 9 April 2010. Further details are available from here.

Added 8 Jan 10

WAG has established a new scheme in partnership with WCVA and Environment Wales to help third sector groups take their first steps in tackling climate change.  The Climate Change Grant Fund aims to help third sector organisations which have yet to engage with climate change action.  Small grants (from £200 to a maximum of £2000) are available to help promote, educate and enable those who, up until now, have not worked on this issue.  For copies of the application forms and information pack, contact the WCVA on 0800 2888 329 or email climatechangefund@environment-wales.org.

Added 5 Dec 09

Added 5 Dec 09

Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation

The Foundation aims to support projects that seek to influence values and attitudes, promote equity and social justice, and develop radical alternatives to current economic and social structures. The Foundation supports the work of UK registered charities. Grants are given in the following categories: peace; ecological issues; and other areas - support is given to human rights work, in particular when related to peace, ecological issues and policy changes related to women’s issues. The next deadline is 12 March 2010.  Details are available from the website.

Added 5 Dec 09

G D Charitable Trust

The Trust has chosen to prioritise its grant making in the following charitable areas: the relief of animal suffering; the preservation of the environment; the promotion of equal opportunities for disabled people; and the relief of the homeless. The Trust prefers to support charities registered with the Charity Commission although it will consider other organisations as long as the purpose of the grant is considered to be charitable. Further details are available from G D Charitable Trust, 50 Broadway, Westminster, London SW1H 0BL. Tel 020 7227 7000.

Added 5 Dec 09

Active Communities Small Grant Scheme

GAVO has opened another round of this grant scheme with a closing date of 31 January 2010.  Projects have to be fully completed and claims made by the end of 2010.  It is a revenue grant of between £2000 and £5000 and applicants need to provide 20% of the funding or match funding.  For further information and an application pack contact Jackie Sturt at GAVO (01291 672352).

Added 24 Nov 09

Help for Non-environmental Groups

The WCVA have set up the Environment Wales Climate Change Fund.  This is a small grant scheme (£200 - £2000) for non-environmental groups who want to engage in climate-change action for the first time.  The kind of activities that can be funded are: climate-change awareness-raising and education; encouraging positive behaviour; expanding activities to help tackle climate change; learning from good practice / training; testing the feasibility of new ideas or new ways of working.  For application forms and information packs contact the WCVA helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 or e-mail: climatechangefund@environment-wales.org.  Meanwhile Sustainable Wales is offering any organisation training sessions on carbon footprint reduction from £250 per day - contact mm@sustainablewales.org.uk .

Added 24 Nov 09

New Community Asset Transfer Fund

The Big Lottery Fund and the Welsh Assembly Government have opened new funding programme, providing capital and revenue grants to support the transfer of assets from public sector organisations to community ownership.  Through Community Asset Transfer Fund (CAT), up to £13 million will be invested in communities, helping them transfer, develop, manage, and sustain assets, such as land or buildings, thereby improving neighbourhoods and people’s livelihoods.  The primary aim of the programme is to help communities become stronger and more sustainable.  Grants will be awarded up to the value of £800,000, including a combination of both capital and revenue costs.  Revenue grants range from £50,000 to £300,000 and capital grants range from £250,000 to £500,000.  Assets transferred from public sector bodies will be passed to enterprising organisations that actively involve and benefit the communities they serve, for example, those working towards improving the services and/or facilities.  Applications must be from cross-sector partnerships Including at least one third sector organisation and one public sector organisation.  The CAT programme will be delivered via three competitive funding rounds: Round 1 will comprise a Fast-track round,  to enable early investment in projects that are fully developed and ready to start work immediately.  It is anticipated that rounds 2 and 3 will be launched during 2010. 

Added 3 Nov 09

CCW Calls for Project Ideas

CCW has opened its 2010/11 grant application window for project ideas from groups and organisations. £6m worth of grants will be avaialble.  A new area for grants will be for projects that support learning in the natural environment outside the classroom.  Visit CCW's web site or email or phone 0845 160 3229 for more information.

Added 1 Oct 09

Community Garden Groups

Fiskars Orange Thumb provides community garden groups with tools and materials for cleaning up communities.

Added 7 Aug 09

The Brecon Beacons Trust

The Brecon Beacons Trust is a new charitable company established to help people, communities and voluntary organisations achieve positive environmental conservation and enhancement within the Brecon Beacons National Park.  The Trust supports: environmental conservation, protection and improvement of the Park for the benefit of the public; greater educational awareness and knowledge of the conservation, protection and improvement of the Park’s physical, natural and archaeological environment.  Thanks to the National Grid the Trust is now inviting grant applications.  Contact Alan Underwood 01873 832490.

Added 7 Aug 09

Community Cashback

This is a new scheme giving local people a say in how £4m of recovered criminal assets should be spent in their communities.  You can suggest projects here.

Added 29 July 09

Sheila McKechnie Awards

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK), the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting campaigners across a wide spectrum of issues, including Environment. The awards are given to individuals who show passion, tenacity and potential to create change for the better, or stop change that will make things worse - locally, nationally or globally. Unlike other Awards, a Sheila McKechnie Foundation Award is not just for what people have achieved, but for what they are going to achieve. The awards have supported many individuals to take their campaigns to the next level. More information here.

Added 10 July 09

Give Your Community a Little TLC

Monmouthshire CC is looking for projects that will enhance the environment under the Tidy Towns: Tidy Local Communities project.  Community groups will be given advice and support, with up to £2000 funding.  Contact Deserie Mansfield on 01873 736037 or 07793259017.  Practical advice available from Keep Wales Tidy Officer Tom Ward Jackson on 07766754894.

Added 17 June 09

MOREwoods

The Woodland Trust has launched a new scheme to help ordinary people and landowners to create new woodlands, with funding and other assistance available.  Click here for more information.

Added 4 June 09

Awards for All

A new £2.4 million Awards for All programme has been launched by the Big Lottery Fund in Wales. Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available to community groups, social enterprises, and community or town councils, schools and health bodies throughout Wales. Grants can pay for project revenue costs or small capital items.

Added 7 May 09

Low Carbon Building Programme

This Government scheme is open to householders, the public and private sectors, and non-profit and community organisations, and offers 50% grants for the installation of certain micro-generation technologies in permanent buildings.  Click here for further information; some grants are only available until June 2009.  Now extended to April 2011 (though solar PV is fully subscribed)

Added 22 Mar 09, amended 15 Sept 09
 

Community Help from Wilkinsons

Wilkinsons,the high street store, every year they give 1% of our profits back to the community, giving to causes and organisations that their customers are passionate about.  Apart from national sponsorship (currently RSPCA) they want to lend a Helping Hand to local community initiatives, groups and individuals that are in the community of their customers and stores, by donating products and vouchers. See http://digbig.com/4ydma

Added 6 Feb 09

Water Recreation Challenge Fund

The Welsh Assembly Government is offering up to 100% grants to projects (large and small) which help people to enjoy the waters of Wales. Minimum grant = £5,000. The emphasis will be on supporting new capital and other works improving bankside facilities, signage, off road parking, etc. This can also include facilities designed to meet the needs of disabled people. All projects should help promote sustainable and responsible access. http://digbig.com/4xnbn

Added 6 Oct 08

Cadw: Rural Regeneration Grant

Cadw can offer a grant towards repairing a building in the countryside in order to make it suitable for a previous use or convert it for a new use. The building must be: listed; 'at risk'; in the countryside or a village of 500 inhabitants or less. The grant is available to trusts, charities, public bodies, individuals, or businesses. This scheme is for buildings of any type, including agricultural, industrial, religious, domestic, and commercial. http://digbig.com/4xnbm

Added 6 Oct 08

Waitrose Grants

If you shop at Waitrose you may have noticed that each store now receives £1000 a month to distribute between three customer-nominated organisations according to customers votes by tokens.  Contact the local store manager if you want to make a suggestion.

Added 23 Aug 08

HLF Young Roots and Your Heritage Programmes

Due to the high number of applications received and strong competition for funding, HLF Wales are currently unable to accept any more applications to these programmes. They are however accepting applications under the revised 'Your Heritage' and 'Young Roots' programmes, both of which have a simpler application process and a 10-week assessment period. Please contact the Development Team for more information on 029 20 343413 or email wales@hlf.org.uk.

Added 3 June 08

New from Esmee Fairbairn

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has launched three new funding programmes to add to those it has been running under its current guidelines, which have been operable since January 2008. The topics include Food and a Finance Fund.  Details of the new funding programmes are available via www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk/pr-template.html. A breakdown of the existing funding options from Main Grants and Strands is available via www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk/funding/index.html. You can also e-mail info@esmeefairbairn.org.uk.

Added 3 June 08

Welsh Community Recycling Sector Awarded £3m Fund

WAG has awarded the community recycling sector in Wales £3 million over three years to help build capacity. This will be designed to help Cylch member organisations achieve the investment necessary for them to be sustainable long-term social enterprises.  The fund will be used to provide suitable investment that will help the sector in Wales deliver waste minimisation, reuse, recycling and composting activities. In order to avoid any conflicts of interest the Cylch Capacity Building Fund will be administered independently of Cylch, following selection of a contractor by the end of March. Further details will be announced once an administrator has been approved, with guidelines, eligibility criteria and how to apply available later in the year.

Added 8 Apr 08

Tackle Flytipping

Keep Wales Tidy is running a pilot WAG scheme that offers up to £5,000 towards dealing with flytipping hotspots.  The grant can help with the costs of tools, clothing, disposal, volunteer expenses, preventative measures, etc.  Contact Pam.Barnes@keepwalestidy.org or 02920 256767.

Added 9 Mar 08

HLF Landscape Partnerships

Heritage Lottery Fund support is available for partnerships of local, regional and national interests, which aim to conserve landscape areas of distinct local character. Priority for support are schemes which provide long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for rural areas.  The scheme is changing in 2008. New application and guidance material will be available from 1 April 2008.

Added 27 Nov 07, amended 20 Apr 08

Playground Partnerships

Playground Partnerships is inviting potential applicants to register an interest in applying to the scheme when the application packs are published in March 2008. The scheme provides awards of between £1,000 and £10,000 to primary schools within the UK so that they can enhance children's play opportunities. Playground Partnerships was launched in 2004 and has supported over 650 primary and special schools. Projects need to: be pupil led; involve the whole school; have an input from the wider school community; encourage high quality teaching and learning across the curriculum; foster the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs. Awards are likely to be of £1,000, £2,000, £5,000 and £10,000. At this stage all that is required is for you to register your interest in receiving an application resource pack when they are published in March 2008.

Added 11 Nov 07

Google Grants for Advertising

The Google Grants UK beta programme supports organisations sharing their philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts. Designed for UK charities which meet their requirements and are registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales or by the Inland Revenue, Google Grants is a unique free advertising programme. Each organisation choosing to participate in Google Grants receives at least three months of free advertising.

Added 11 Nov 07

Small Changes, Big Differences

Guardian Unlimited, the online version of the newspaper, has launched Small Changes, Big Differences, a bursary scheme to encourage local groups to use small amounts of money to make significant changes to their local environment. £10,000 is available overall, and bursaries can range from £50 to £5,000. The bursaries do not have to be used for charitable purposes. Application is really easy, you simply have to provide your contact details and write up to 400 words about what you would do with the money you need. Ideas do not have to be especially inspiring; the judges are simply looking for ‘small but thoughtful improvements that will make a big difference to you and your community’. Examples cited include: buying devices to place in a community centre’s toilets to save water; putting up hanging baskets; buying solar panels for a school.

Added 3 Oct 07

New WCVA Funding Web Site

WCVA’s sustainable funding team have been busy bugs this summer preparing a new website. Visit now to find practical help and support on achieving long term financial sustainability. Useful information on various funding options, case studies, training and sources of further help – www.sustainablefundingcymru.org.uk.

Added 18 Sept 07

O2 Community Awards

O2 have committed £1m towards a nationwide community improvement programme. The programme has four categories: improving the place communities’ share; helping bring people together; tackling issues and restoring pride and improving the natural environments of communities. The programme is ongoing and it is hoped that 60 awards are given out per month. Applications can be made online at www.itsyourcommunity.co.uk or phone 0800 90 20 250.

Added 26 July 07

Local Transport Services Grant

Each year, local authorities in Wales are allocated extra funds for the provision of additional or new bus or other transport services for local communities. Further details are available from Mrs Jane Corbett, Integrated Transport Unit, Welsh Assembly Government, Transport Policy and Administration Division, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ. Tel: 029 2082 6505, e-mail Jane.Corbett@Wales.GSI.Gov.UK or visit www.wales.gov.uk.  It would also be a good idea to speak to Glenda Genner at GAVO (01291 672352) if you want to talk about possibilities in Monmouthshire.

Added 17 April 07

People and Places

The Big Lottery's People and Places fund aims to bring people together to make their communities stronger and to improve their rural and urban environments. This programme will support people working together to make their communities better places to live. It will support local and regional projects and projects that work throughout Wales. People and Places can fund projects that achieve one or more of the following programme outcomes: revitalised communities; improved community relations; enhanced local environments and community amenities. This programme is open to the community, voluntary and public sector. Money is available for capital and revenue projects and can be used for the development of communities or communities of interest. Further details are available from http://tinyurl.com/ypkxqs.

Added 27 Mar 07

Small Events Recycling Fund

Cylch have a grant fund available, from Environment Wales, to help small, volunteer led, community based events start recycling. Groups will need to explain the background to their event, what, if anything has happened in the past with recycling at the event and why they wish to recycle at this event this year. Grants of  £1,000 are available. For further details, contact Ruth Llewellyn, Wales Event Recycling Officer, tel 029 2064 9750, email ruth.Llewellyn@cylch.org.uk.

The Steel Charitable Trust

The Steel Charitable Trust is a grant-making trust supporting general charitable purposes. It is the policy of the trustees to make grants to a wide range of charitable bodies. Grants are made to registered charities in the UK within the funding priority areas: health & medical research; social services; environment and culture. Grants are made at the end of January, April, July and October and the total level of grants is £900,000 per annum. Grants are made as single payments between £500 and £25,000.  Further details are available from www.steelcharitabletrust.org.uk.

Added 13 Nov 06
 

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