BEN guide for newcomers to
accessing grants and grant information
There are hundreds of funders, but
here are some key starting points for
newcomers. This is a shortlist of major
funders for community based environmental
projects. The funding managers are very
friendly and ready to help.
Where there are web addresses, just
click to link directly to the site.
General
Grant Directories.
The Directory of Social Change. 020 7209
5151
You should be aware that there are many
funders who will fund projects with
environmental themes set within the many
other fields of work, e.g. the arts. They
have very specific criteria and you need
to know much more detail before you
apply, otherwise it is a waste of time
and effort. For the more experienced get
'Environmental Funding Guide' £16.95
from the Directory of Social Change. They
publish a whole range of books on
fundraising and other skills. They also
have a CD Rom which helps you to identify
funders. Ring for their catalogue. www.d-s-c.demon.co.org
Funderfinder 0113 243 3008 It is a
computer programme that is a shortcut for
overworked fundraisers. You type in the
characteristics of your project (how much
you are applying for, whether it is for
youth or elderly, etc.) and it prints out
a list. You then have to look up
directories for the addresses and further
details, so you need to buy directories
as well. Many local authorities and
larger voluntary groups have this
programme and let community groups and
others use it. You can also buy it.
Your Locality
One of the best ways of funding local
projects is to build up relationships
with your local area. Some shops like Marks
and Spencers, or local banks hold
funds within their local branches.
Getting to know the manager gives you a
direct contact to discuss your needs.
Your local authority may be one that is
particularly active in the environmental
field and may work with you and provide
funds. But, it is not only a matter of
money. You may be given free materials,
or services such as printing a poster.
You may do partnership projects involving
employees of businesses, fundraise with a
local band or whatever! You are then sure
to get into the local newspaper as well.
National
Big Lottery Fund 020 7211 1888Ring to find out the
current and forthcoming themes and the deadlines for application.
www.community-fund.org.uk
BEN is often asked whether we encourage groups to take money
from Shell because we list them. BEN feels that it should
not make decisions for groups. Groups need to work through
their ethical stance and have their own funding strategy.
Heritage Lottery Fund - www.hlf.org.uk
Baring Foundation - www.baringfoundation.org.uk
Esmee Fairbairn Trust - www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk
Lloyds TSB - www.lloydstsbfoundation.org.uk
Learning Through Landscapes works specifically with
schoolgrounds in England and Scotland (Grounds for Learning).
They are very helpful and have a useful list of funders -www.ltl.org.uk
England
National Council for Voluntary Organisations. 0800
2 798 798 Freephone No. for information
English Nature - www.english-nature.org.uk
Wales
Countryside Council for Wales 01248
385500 Contact grants unit which will
give you details of contacts for regional
and local funds. www.ccw.gov.uk
Wales Council for Voluntary Action 029
2043 1700 Administrates several
funds.
Scotland
Scottish Natural Heritage 0131 447
4784 Ring the grants unit of their
headquarters for details of regional
contacts and funds. www.snh.org.uk
Scottish Council for Voluntary
Organisations 0131 556 3882 In touch
generally with funding available, plus
wide ranging support for community groups
www.scvo.org.uk
Forward Scotland 0141 567 4334 www.forward-scotland.org
Northern Ireland
Environment and Heritage Service DOE
028 90 546 552 www.nics.gov.uk
Community Projects Fund NICVA 028 9032
1224
NI2000 028 90 403 779 www.aaranet.co.uk
Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust 018
90 245 927 http://www.bcda.net/nivt/
 
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