Funding for the Natural Environment
This page contains links to a range of grants for environmental projects and to European LEADER areas within the borough that provide funding to support rural economic enterprises and rural communities. Many of these grants will require a proportion of match funding, but in some cases this can be in-kind contributions such as volunteer time. Please note that some of the links will take you to the websites of external organisations. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is not responsible for the contents of these external sites.
Information on other grants may be obtained by searching through Grantnet
Grants for Community Initiatives
Community Heritage and Environment Fund (CHEF)
Grants of between £300 and 50% of the annual scheme budget are available for a range of environmental improvement schemes, including those which would benefit the natural environment. This grant is provided by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Awards for All
Grants of between £300 and £10,000 to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need, including improved rural and urban environments - which communities are better able to access and enjoy. This grant is provided by an external organisation.
Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP)
Grants to community-based organisations for the installation of microgeneration technologies, such as solar panels or wind turbines and energy efficiency measures including loft and cavity wall insulation. It will also provide project development grants that will help community organisations establish if a microgeneration and energy efficiency installation will work for them. This grant is provided by an external organisation.
Small Grants Scheme - Biodiversity
Hampshire County Council has launched a new grant scheme to support Parish and Town Councils that own or manage Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). SINCs are vitally important wildlife sites that help protect some of Hampshire’s most significant natural environments. The scheme will fund practical on-site work – such as scrub clearance, grass mowing, woodland management - that benefits the habitat or species for which the SINC has been designated. The grant will cover approximately 50 per cent of the work's cost.
For more information contact Jo Thornton at Hampshire County Council: jo.thornton@hants.gov.uk
Grants for Projects within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
North Wessex Downs LEADER
Funding for farmers, foresters, rural communities and other rural businesses to assist projects that will: help make farming and forestry become more environmentally sustainable and economically viable; strengthen rural communities and improve quality of life; promote local food; and encourage the use of wood fuel.
Sustainable Development Fund (SDF)
Grants, typically up to £5,000, but exceptionally up to £25,000 for projects that help to deliver the North Wessex Downs AONB management plan. The SDF aims to develop and test new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of life in this area of great beauty and diversity.
Grants for Projects within the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area
Loddon Leader
Funding for farmers, foresters, rural communities and other rural businesses to assist projects that will: help make farming and forestry become more environmentally sustainable and economically viable; strengthen rural communities and improve quality of life; promote local food; and encourage the use of wood fuel.
Loddon and Eversley Small Projects Fund (LESPF)
Grants of up to £2000 for selected biodiversity or community wildlife projects that enable local people to get involved and help towards achieving the aims of the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is a partner in the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area, but the grant is administered by the lead partner, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
