The Grow Nature Seed Fund
Helping communities in Cornwall grow their environment
From the seed of an idea, nature can grow
Do you have an idea for an environmental growth project? The purpose of the Grow Nature Seed Fund is to help local projects to deliver Environmental Growth, as set out in the Cornwall's Environmental Growth Strategy 2015-2065.
We are offering up to £2000 in match-funding for your Crowdfunder project.
Funded projects must deliver a clear and demonstrable benefit to the natural environment.
Here are some examples:
- Conversion or restoration of community greenspace to wildlife habitat. Community orchards, ponds, wildflower meadows/verges, native hedges, street trees or woodlands
- Environmental improvements to a community centre or village hall grounds. Installation of bee bricks, bug hotels, swift boxes, nest boxes, tree planting
- Coastal and marine projects: no anchor zones, initiatives to reduce single use plastics
- Local wildlife training and monitoring schemes
- Schemes to reduce invasive species, litter, noise or light pollution in the environment. This includes coastal areas and on the water
- Environmental aspects of a heritage restoration scheme
- Initiatives to help local people to connect with their environment
- Activities which encourage people to grow nature, raising awareness of wildlife and heritage
Priority will be given to schemes which result in tangible examples of environmental growth. For example, new habitats or an increase in the health of native wildlife.
Any locally constituted and recognised ‘not for profit’ organisation is eligible to apply.
To start your Crowdfunding project and apply for the Grow Nature Seed Fund please go to: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/crowdfund-cornwall
The Seed Fund for Communities in Cornwall - a flyer that you can download, print and share.
If you have any other questions about the Seed Fund, feel free to contact us.
Other funding opportunities available for communities
Tevi is the unique business support programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It builds businesses and enhances the natural environment.
Tevi’s business support fund aims to:
- provide financial support for new-to-business products or services
- resource efficiency improvements in existing operations
- environmental growth projects
The grant provides up to 80% of a project’s cost, for projects between £1,000 and £10,000. Email info@tevi.co.uk to find out more.
Tree planting with the Woodland Trust
Does your school or community group want to plant trees to support local wildlife? Apply for some free tress for schools and communities with the Woodland Trust!
Do you have a farm or private land, and want to plant more trees? Get in touch with the Woodland Trust for advice, funding and trees. Find out more about large scale tree planting
The SUEZ Communities Trust aims to support community and environmental improvement projects. It does this through the Landfill Communities Fund and Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
A suitable funding zone is defined as being anywhere within a three mile radius of a qualifying location.
St. Dennis and Nanpean Community Trust
The St. Dennis and Nanpean Community Trust is distributing the funds associated with the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC).
The Trust receives £200,000 a year during the construction period and around £100,000 per year during the operational life of the CERC. It is funded by both Cornwall Council and Suez(Sita UK).
The St. Dennis and Nanpean Community Trust aims to support projects and individuals who live in the area of benefit.
Biffa Award projects make up an eclectic community across the country. Funding is provided through its Main Grants Scheme as part of the Landfill Communities Fund to projects near Landfill sites.
Under this scheme, Biffa Award provides funding to community projects that fit into four different themes:
- Rebuilding Biodiversity
- Community Buildings
- Cultural Facilities
- Recreation
To be eligible for funding that could get you between £10,000 - £75,000, your project must work towards one of these themes.
Viridor Credits Environmental Company
Viridor Credits Environmental Company is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. It provides funding for community, heritage and biodiversity projects around the UK. It does this through the Landfill Communities Fund and Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
Viridor Credits is accepting applications in Cornwall and Dorset up to £20,000 for:
- Community
- Heritage
- Biodiversity projects
The Pennon Environment Fund can fund up to £20,000 to projects. These should have a focus on community, environment or the repair of historic buildings.
It’s a charitable fund operating on a special agreement between Viridor Credits and Pennon. This enables them to distribute ‘Landfill Community Fund’ funding within South West Water’s area (outside of the usual Viridor Credits areas). This is subject to strict project eligibility criteria.
If you have any projects in your community that you think may be eligible for support through PEF, please contact Sophie O’Callaghan, Fund Manager on 01392 443757.