West Northamptonshire groups invited to apply for £1,000 sustainability grants

Community groups, charities and individuals across West Northamptonshire are being invited to apply for grants of up to £1,000 through the latest round of Veolia’s Sustainability Fund.

The fund, launched in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), reopened on World Environment Day on June 5 following its most successful year to date in 2025, when seven grassroots projects across the area shared £6,000 in funding.

The scheme is open to not-for-profit organisations, community groups and individuals in areas where Veolia delivers recycling and waste treatment services. In addition to financial support, applicants can also request volunteers or in-kind resources to help bring projects to life.

Projects must meet at least one of the fund’s objectives, including enhancing biodiversity, promoting sustainable waste behaviours, protecting the environment through the use of recycled or reclaimed materials, or strengthening local communities.

One recent recipient was The Countryside Kitchen, which received £1,000 to host a Harvest Day community event. The project encouraged residents to learn more about growing their own food, reducing waste and living more sustainably.

Pascal Hauret, managing director of municipal services at Veolia, said the fund had supported more than 640 projects with over £514,000 in funding since 2021 and had helped create “real connections” within communities.

Councillor Nigel Stansfield, cabinet member for environment, recycling and waste at WNC, said several grassroots projects in West Northamptonshire had already benefited from the scheme and encouraged anyone with an idea that supports sustainability or improves the local environment to consider applying.

Applications are open until September 30 via Veolia’s website.