Grant scheme launched to support environmental groups across Northampton

A grant scheme to support local groups that work on environmental matters has been launched.

Northampton Borough Council has teamed up with waste collection company, Veolia, for the scheme that will grant a maximum of £1,000 to groups.

The EnviroGrant scheme will support charities, schools, sports clubs and community groups with their efforts in improving or protecting their local environment.

Funding can be granted for a variety of new and existing projects and activities within the borough, including equipment, materials and promotion needed for community litter picks, the improvement or development of green spaces, community food growing, composting schemes or swapping events.

Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet member for environment, said: “We are fortunate to have a lot of fantastic charities and community groups who are passionate about protecting and improving Northampton’s environment and the EnviroGrant scheme will help to provide vital support to these not-for-profit groups, to help them get a project off the ground, develop it further or make it more sustainable.

“We are looking forward to receiving applications and seeing the projects develop, for the benefit of our local environment and communities.”

Shaun Donohue, General Manager for Veolia, added: “We are pleased to support local community groups with much-needed funding for projects that have real potential to improve the local environment in Northampton.

“We were delighted by the success the scheme encountered last year and we hope that more community groups will apply for a grant this year.”

Last year a range of different groups applied for the funding including schools, friends of parks, parish councils and charities, to help deliver projects which ranged from outdoor classrooms, to floral displays, educational equipment and increased green space for residents.

Not-for-profit groups who need support with the physical labour aspect of a project, can also apply for Veolia volunteers to help for a day to get the project off the ground. This can be applied for instead of or in addition to the funding support.

The deadline for applications to this year’s EnviroGrant scheme is August 31. Successful applicants will be announced in October. Find out more here.Applications are also open all year for Idverde’s Community Investment Fund, which is aimed at community groups running projects to improve their local parks and green spaces. Apply here.

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