About the Sustainable Development Fund

The Sustainable Development Fund is now in its seventh successful year following the introduction of these funds nationally to all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales.

The SDF scheme is funded by Defra and was launched in 2005. English National Park Authorities have been administering Sustainable Development Funds since 2002 and the Government was keen to provide a similar scheme to support projects that bring environmental, social and economic benefits to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Within the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, our aim is to develop and test innovative methods of achieving a more sustainable way of life in a protected landscape of great beauty and diversity. 

In 2010/11 we supported a wide variety of schemes (See SDF News for further details) by providing grants to organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals, all wishing to explore and develop practical projects that conserve and enhance the local environment, develop local economic activity or promote local produce and products.

We are now inviting applications to the 2011/12 fund which stands at £42,000. So if you have an idea for a project, please do still submit a Project Ideas Form. (See "How to apply") 

 

What projects can we fund?

What kind of project is eligible?

Successful projects will demonstrate a combination of:

  • Sustainability
  • Harmony with AONB purposes 
  • Support or involvement of local communities
  • Partnership working

What can SDF Grant money cover the costs of?

  • Practical work
  • Feasibility studies or research projects
  • Group or partnership development
  • Awareness raising and training about sustainability
  • Purchase of equipment, property or services

Priority will be given to projects that:

  • Are innovative or demonstrate best practice
  • Involve young people
  • Bring in funds and/or support in kind from other sources
  • Add value or new dimensions to existing sustainability projects

Who is eligible for funds?

Public, private, voluntary sector, individuals, businesses or local community groups can apply. Individuals or businesses can only be beneficiaries where the project shows a clear benefit to the wider community.

  • promoting conservation and enhancement of the landscape
  • maintaining local communities and businesses, including farms
  • improving understanding of the countryside as well as access to it
  • encouraging sustainable development, that protects the interests of future generations

More information about the Sustainable Development Fund is available from the AONB Office.
Please contact Barbara Henneberry who will be happy to talk to you regarding your project ideas on 01524 761034 or info@arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk

How to apply for SDF

The first stage in applying for a grant from the Arnside and SIlverdale AONB SDF is to fill in a Project Ideas Form. Please complete this and return to the AONB Office. 

 Project Ideas Form
(This is a 59kB Word document)

We will then make an initial assessment of your project and contact you with further advice. If we think your project may be eligible for SDF funding we will send you a full application form and provide you with advice on how to fill it in if required.  

The links below take you to documents that should answer some basic questions about the process of making a bid for SDF funding and help you understand how eligibility is assessed. There is also a short list of alternative funders if you think you should try elsewhere. You should also check out the CIC GRANTfinder page on this website.

 How an Application is Assessed
(This is a 60kB pdf document)

 Sustainability Checklist & Guidance notes
(This is a 83kB pdf document)

 Possible Alternative Funders List
(This is a 106kB pdf document)

back to top
asaonblfl