STOP PRESS - new Natural Assets grant scheme announced
Natural Assets
Unlocking the economic potential of natural assets in the West Midlands
Can you help make the most of the economic potential of the natural environment in the West Midlands?
If so, you might be eligible for a grant from Natural Assets – a £2 million grant scheme funded by Advantage West Midlands and delivered by Natural England.
What is Natural Assets?
Nobody likes to see potential go to waste – neglected natural spaces that nobody visits and with limited value to the environment or economy.
But what if those spaces were improved and properly maintained, improving biodiversity, attracting visitors and new business, creating jobs and increasing the value of property in the area?
Opening on Tuesday 29th September 2009, Natural Assets will focus on realising economic benefits from new environmental initiatives over a four year period. Applications for the first round will need to be submitted by Friday 6th November.
We believe that, with proper investment, the natural environment can support the local economy and we’re looking to fund new projects which show it in the West Midlands region.
By investing in the West Midlands, Natural Assets will show how environmental assets can have a positive impact on the economics of the region and its people – creating a positive legacy that will far outlive the four-year scheme.
What difference will it make?
Projects funded by Natural Assets must take place on or link to the Region’s natural assets. We want them to have a lasting impact. The potential benefits include:
· Attracting visitors to the area;
· Creating and safeguarding jobs;
· Enhancing urban and rural publically accessible natural spaces;
· Creating sustainable business opportunities linked to the natural environment;
· Making better places to live and work by reducing air and noise pollution;
· Tackling climate change;
· Reducing flood risk;
· Increasing productivity by enhancing workers’ surroundings;
· Improving wellbeing and health through high quality recreational spaces;
· Engaging young people in nature-based opportunities for learning, enjoyment and employment.
Who can apply?
We accept applications from:
· voluntary organisations
· registered not-for-profit charities
· local authorities
· statutory bodies
· SME and other private bodies where projects benefit the region’s natural assets and people and where State Aid De Minimis regulation can be met.
How many grants will be awarded?
Natural England expects to award a minimum of 15 grants, worth up to £2 million, over four years.
Grant awards will range between £35,000 and £250,000, depending on how closely the project meets the aims of the scheme. Grants can only represent a maximum of 90 per cent of the total project costs.
The scheme is competitive and not all applications will be successful.
How to find out more
Have a look at our website http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/grantsfunding/findagrant and follow the link to Natural Assets.
If you’ve got any queries please contact;
Ruth Metcalfe – Grants Adviser 0300 060 3951
Angela Hennell – Assistant Grants Adviser 0300 060 1191
naturalassets@naturalengland.org.uk
