FUNDING

This information was last updated in December, 2008. If you have more up-to-date information or comments, please let Steve know: 01204 336652 or click here to email Steve

This information is based on comments sent by members of the Bolton ESD Network who've had experience of working with these funders. Other funds are available, but are not included here. If you have experience of these or other funding sources (positive and negative) please let Steve know so that the info can be shared within the ESD Network. Send your comments and let others benefit from your experience!
If these sources don't meet your need, contact Steve for further information 01204 336652 or click here
Nb. This list is limited to funding for relatively small amounts. Some of the funds that offer very large grants for big building improvements, for example, haven't been included. Contact Steve if you would like info about these.

1. GENERAL FUNDING
 
Awards for All (part of the National Lottery)
(grants for almost any aspect of environmental/sustainability work in schools)
Schools can get some help with applications from Esther, the Bolton School Grounds Officer, on 01204 663754 or by contacting Awards for All: www.awardsforall.org.uk tel:0845 600 2040
At least ten Bolton schools have been successful in applying for these. (Esther from Lancs Wildlife Trust reports that schools she's worked with have a 100% success rate!). (Awards for All also funded the first term of the Bolton Fairtrade Schools worker.)
 
Action Earth Grants 2007-2008
(Small, easily accessed grants)
A lot of Bolton schools have found Action Earth Grants really useful for small projects like tree planting, bulb planting, litter picking and school garden work. The application form is simple (mostly tick boxes) and just 4 pages long, but grants are only available at certain times of the year, so keep checking the website. If you'd like to receive information, email: naseem@csvenvironment.org.uk or 0121 328 7455 with your name, email address and full postal address.
further info: www.actionearth.org.uk
 
The Ernest Cook Trust Educational Grants
The Ernest Cook Trust Educational Grants support applications to educate young people about the environment and the countryside. Grants from £100 to £3000. No application form - just send a letter outlining your project. Grants are considered 5 times a year. For more information visit: http://www.ernestcooktrust.org.uk/frames.htm
or phone 01285 712492
 
BES/ Ecological Education Grants
Ecological Education Grants for the following things: research, school ground developments, primary school field work or nature visit, field equipment grant, teacher attendance at BES meetings and professional development courses in fieldwork. Applications need to fall into 1 of these 7 areas. (Bids are accepted 3 times a year, so check for when money might be available and plan ahead!) For more information: www.britishecologicalsociety.org/articles/grants/education/EEG/
 
Eco Schools Grants
If you've achieved Silver Flag with the Eco Schools scheme - you can bid for part of their "Switched On Communities" fund. However, the fund is highly oversubscribed - only 40% of applicants are successful.
Projects need to show that the grant will help your school progress through the Eco School award scheme, involve pupils in planning and implementing, and/or show links to the curriculum. Some examples for which grants maybe given: insulation to school building, pipe lagging, energy efficient lighting, push taps to stop water wastage, water butts, solar panels or equipment, recycling equipment. Bids are considered 3 times each year. The next round is Sept 2008.
 For further information and to download an application form and guidance notes http://www.eco-schools.org.uk/grants/ and read more about the 'Switched on Communities' grant scheme.
 
Nb. Andrew Suter at Eco Schools is happy to advise with constructing a bid. Contact: andrew.suter@encams.org 01942 612664

2. MORE SPECIFIC FUNDING
 
School Travel Plan grants
(limited to schools with School Travel Plans in place and signed off).
You can apply for funding to support your plans for sustainable travel from small amounts to £10 000+. Local details: Carole Heaton 334336 or carole.heaton@bolton.gov.uk
 
The Peter Miller Schools Ponds Fund
The grant you can get is up to £250 for pond construction and materials. There is no application form, you can write a letter describing your project and a quotation for the materials to Convenor of the Dragonfly Conservation Group, Dr Pam Taylor, Decoy Farm, Decoy Road, Potter Heigham, Norfolk, NR29 5LX. More information: www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/projects.html
 
Trees for All
The Woodland Trust provides schools with free tree planting packs - next delivery: March 2009. For details and to register: http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/hedge/
 
You can also contact the Council's Tree and Woodlands officer on 01204 334100 for expert tree advice
 
Solar4Schools
Grants for sustainable energy provision are made to "not for profit organisations" and schools have been successful in applying for these. Applications are considered at certain times of the year - check with the website.
www.solar4schools.co.uk
 
Sustainable Energy grants from E-On
E-On give grants for schools & other not-for-profit groups "..committed to introducing sustainable energy projects and who can demonstrate an understanding of the importance of not only reducing the energy we use but also creating that energy from renewable sources." Applications are considered 3 times a year.
To find out more: http://www.eon-uk.com/about/2688.aspx
 
if you're looking for grants for renewable energy sources within your school or group's site (e.g. wind turbines or solar panels), Anne Mason (Bolton Council's Property Services) is a good first contact as she can offer free advice and help with planning applications 01204 331351 or anne.j.mason@bolton.gov.uk
 
Royal Bank of Scotland Group grants
If any of your parents are employees of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (including Natwest, Direct Line and others), your school can get Community Cashback Awards. They will help any school where their staff are making an important contribution in their own time - including helping on fete days, listening to readers, PTFA work. The school writes a letter saying how the volunteer has contributed and the volunteer sends it into the Royal Bank of Scotland Human Resources.
Also: Super Grounds Fund. The school and volunteer come up with an idea for how they could improve their school. The bid is given to the bank through your volunteer.
(Ladybridge Primary School has taken advantage of this money to improve their school grounds.)

3. OTHER SOURCES
 
Local Area Forums
(small, local grants)
2 schools in regeneration areas have successfully used their Area Forums to fund (and help them prioritise!) the work they've done with Groundwork.
To contact your local Forum: 01204 331252 or locate your Forum at: http://www.bolton.gov.uk/portal/page?_pageid=367,149398&_dad=portal92&_schema=PORTAL92
 
The Regeneration Partnerships and External Funding Team within Bolton Children's Services are keen to see projects developed involving children & young people. They can offer funding opportunities, advice and partnership links including the Grantfinder scheme. If you have a project which requires external funding they may be able to help you find the right source. Contact:
Lesley Turner 01204 332202
Samira Foster 01204 332282
Samira.Foster@bolton.gov.uk
 
Bolton CVS funding advice provides information, advice and support to voluntary and community organisations in Bolton regarding finding sources of funding. Groups linked to schools such as Friends Of ... groups, Parent & Teacher Associations, Nursery Groups etc are able to access these services. Further information relating to funding sources: Funding & Development Team at Bolton CVS on 01204 546018 or Kairen@boltoncvs.org.uk
 
The Bolton Cash Panel is made up of local young people. They have £430 000 to distribute. The projects must be run by young people 13+. Details: Suzanne.Hindle@bolton.gov.uk
 

Environmental Funders Network
If your funding request is very specialised, one of these funding sources may be able to help.
some of these will not be open to schools, but if all else has failed so far, there may be something here..?
http://www.greenfunders.org/whosinvolved