What we can fund
What kind of project is eligible?
Successful projects will demonstrate a combination of:
- Sustainability (integrating all of the goals of sustainable development above)
- Harmony with AONB purposes (see below)
- Support or involvement of local communities
- Partnership working
Grants
Grants can cover the costs of some or all of the following:
- Practical work
- Feasibility studies or research projects
- Group or partnership development
- Awareness raising and training about sustainability
- Purchase of equipment, property or services
Priority
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 can apply?
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
Information about ~ Sustainable
Development Fund ~ is available from the AONB Office.
Staff will be happy to talk to you regarding your project ideas.
You can contact us at the AONB Office either
- by post - The Arnside/Silverdale AONB, The Old Station Building, ARNSIDE, LA5 0HG
- by email - sdf@arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk
David Askew
AONB Officer
Arnside/Silverdale AONB
Project ideas and amount of grant funding
Examples of projects/project aspects you could include:
- renewable / green energy schemes
- sustainable transport
- environmental building design/construction
- awareness campaigns
- innovative products or initiatives
- community youth schemes
- conservation activities
Grants
Grant awards will normally be in the range of £500 - £12,500.
The following funding ceilings will apply:
| Incorporated Voluntary Sector groups and bodies | 75% max |
| Locally based or semi-formal Community Groups | 75% - 90% max |
| Individuals and Businesses | 50% max |
| Public sector bodies | 50% max |
- applicants should find a minimum “in kind” or own funding contribution of 10%
- in exceptional circumstances a greater award may be made to any applicant
- in all cases an agreement setting out what is required for satisfactory completion of the project will be signed prior to receipt of any grant
- for match funding purposes volunteer time can be included. It will usually be calculated at £50/day (£6.25/hr) for general volunteers and £100/day (£12.50/hr) for specialist, technical or professional volunteers.
Grant payments can be staged in thirds if necessary
- 33.33% of grant would be paid on commencement of the project – enabling a measure of “pump-priming” finance
- 33.33% of grant is paid on attaining a “milestone” point established in the funding agreement contract between applicant and AONB Unit, following grant approval
- the final 33.33% payment of grant will be paid on completion of the project and supported by a written report, receipted invoices and a photographic record
On our links and downloads page, you can click on the Project Ideas Form which you need to complete and return to the AONB Office and we will contact you to help you develop your application if your proposal is eligible for SDF funding.
Details of the Grants Panel meetings and their summaries are available on the news page.
