City Council rewards local groups for going green
Each year, charities and community groups across the Winchester district are awarded more than £600,000 via city council grants.
This year sees the introduction of three new grants aimed at helping local groups to go green. Carbon Reduction grants, Community Planning grants, and Biodiversity grants offer local projects the chance to apply for up to £500.
Carbon Reduction Grants
Grants of up to £500 are available for projects which help to promote or support carbon reduction initiatives, such as installing renewable energy systems or taking energy efficiency measures.
Community Planning Grants
Parish or town councils and not-for-profit groups can apply for grants of up to £500 to support the community planning process. This could include parish plans or community ‘greening’ campaigns.
Biodiversity Grants
Hedge or tree planting, pond restoration or thinning of woodland areas are all projects that could be supported by biodiversity grants of up to £500.
As well as these new ‘green’ grants, the more familiar Community Chest grants are also available. Since the Community Chest grant scheme was launched in 2004, local voluntary and community groups have benefited from grants of up to £500. To qualify for the grants, groups must demonstrate how their projects meet the council’s priorities.
The grants are allocated at three points during the year. The deadline for the current round of applications is 25 June.
For full details of all available grants, visit www.winchester.gov.uk/grants or contact Partnership and External Funding Officer Bernice Heller on bheller@winchester.gov.uk