Doncaster Community Groups Invited to Apply for Sixth Round of Environmental Pride Funding
Community groups across Doncaster are being encouraged to take advantage of a fresh injection of cash, as the sixth round of the Environmental Pride funding stream officially opens for applications.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the City of Doncaster Council and St Leger Homes, aims to empower local organizations to deliver projects that both enhance the natural environment and provide tangible benefits to the wider community. Since its inception in 2022, the program has become a cornerstone of local development, having already awarded over £150,000 to more than 100 grassroots projects.
Funding Categories and Support
This year’s grant offering is divided into three distinct categories, allowing groups to apply for support tailored to their specific needs:
- Category 1: Physical improvements to the natural environment (grants ranging from £100 to £5,000).
- Category 2: Community activities and events held in public open spaces or local facilities (up to £500).
- Category 3: A "top-up" maintenance fund exclusively for previous Environmental Pride grantees to sustain existing projects (up to £500).
Beyond direct financial assistance, the initiative provides a comprehensive support package. Successful applicants can access resources such as business advice, consultation with council officers, volunteer mobilization, promotional support, and materials.
"A Real Sense of Ownership"
Chris Margrave, Chief Executive at St Leger Homes, highlighted the importance of the scheme in fostering local engagement. "This programme gives volunteer-led community groups who are not used to applying for funding amazing opportunities to run projects that are important to the local community and foster a sense of ownership and pride," he said.
Deputy Mayor Glyn Jones, Cabinet member for Environment and Housing, added that the scheme is open to everyone—from well-established organizations to those just starting their journey. "It’s very rewarding to see how past funding recipients have transformed their ideas into meaningful community projects," he noted.
How to Apply
The application process is designed to be accessible, requiring only a 15-minute online expression of interest. To assist potential applicants, the council is hosting a series of workshops:
- Online: September 1, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
- In-Person (Civic Office, Waterdale): September 16, 9:00 am – 11:30 am (Room 007b); and September 21, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Room 007a).
Eligible applicants include charities, "Friends of" groups, not-for-profit businesses, and tenant associations. Following the application deadline on September 28 at midday, shortlisted candidates will be invited to provide a more detailed pitch for their proposed projects.
The program is supported by a robust network of partners, including Efficiency North, Doncaster Chamber, Travis Perkins, EEM, Doncaster College, Wates Living Space, Morgan Lambert, VolkerRail, and Aalberts IPS.
