The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority is calling on groups to submit their funding ideas for innovative community projects.
The National Park’s Sustainable Development Fund has supported hundreds of projects over the past 20 years – improving community quality of life, helping the local economy and protecting the local environment. Projects have included outdoor activity to improve health and wellbeing, nature conservation, energy efficiency, community shops and heritage work.
In the last twenty years, the fund has offered finanial support to get some brilliant initiatives off the ground in the National Park, including Talgarth Mill, Green Man Festival and Black Mountains College.
This year, the Park is has launched two dedicated funding programmes – both offering grants for up to 50% of costs (volunteer time and donations in kind can be included as match):
- Energy Efficiency: support to install energy saving measures or renewable energy in community facilities – many groups have already made a start on fitting LED lighting, extra insulation, up to date heating etc. in their buildings.
- Built Heritage: support for individuals and community groups to undertake works to conserve and enhance local Heritage assets – these can include buildings, archaeological features, interpretation of historic features, signage for heritage walking trails, publications.
Barbara Anglezarke, Sustainable Development Fund Officer, said ‘We want to hear from anyone who has ideas to improve things for nature or local communities – even if plans are at a very early stage. If you are new to making grant applications, no need to worry – we are here to help every step of the way!’
The National Park is holding an online information session for those interested in learning how to write a winning funding application on Tuesday 18 October. For more information about the fund or to sign up to the session please visit https://sdfund.eventbrite.co.uk.
ENDS