This feed shows some of the grants/funding available for biodiversity work in Suffolk. Please click on the items to read more.
Funding Opportunities Feed
Nature First Small Grants Scheme
The Greenprint Forum is running a Small Grant Scheme during 2021 and 2022 which is available to voluntary and community groups to apply for funding to support projects that help promote biodiversity in east Suffolk.
The Nature First small grants fund is provided by East Suffolk Council on behalf of the East Suffolk Greenprint Forum and is available for projects anywhere in the district of East Suffolk, that specifically contribute to the enhancement of local biodiversity and/or its understanding and appreciation by the local community.
Eligible projects may include work to restore existing habitats, creation of habitats, provision of nesting / roosting places for birds, pollinators and other animals, or activities to help local people of any age learn about and enjoy their local biodiversity.
Eligible projects must contribute to the Greenprint Forum’s goal of an East Suffolk where the value of nature is recognised by the majority, visitors are attracted because of it and everyone actively cares for it.
Applications will be considered by a panel comprising members of the Steering Group of the Greenprint Forum.
The scheme is intended to run throughout 2021 and 2022, and applications can be submitted at any time. Details of grants awarded to date can be seen via the link below.
Nature First Small Grants Scheme documents
- Greenprint Forum Nature First Small Grants Scheme guidance notes
- Greenprint Forum Nature First Small Grants Scheme application form
Projects supported so far
British Ecological Society - Grants Available
Funding to support the promotion of ecological science to a wider audience.
Individuals and organisations across Great Britain can now apply for grants to organise public engagement events in ecology.
Eligible applicants could include:
- Members of the British Ecological Society
- Researchers
- Schools
- Museums
- Libraries
- Community groups
The maximum award size is £2,000. However, this may be used as part-funding for larger projects involving other sponsors.
All projects must be consistent with at least two of the following objectives:
- Increase public understanding of, and engagement with, ecology.
- Stimulate discussion about ecology and its implications for society.
- Inspire and enthuse people of all ages about the science of ecology, especially those not previously interested.
- Develop skills in communicating the science of ecology.
All objectives must be aimed at a non-academic audience and all projects must provide a clear demonstration of direct interaction with the public.
The deadline to apply is 18 March 2022 (5pm)
For further information go to: Outreach Grants - British Ecological Society
The Beveridge Herpetological Trust - Grants Available
The Beveridge Herpetological Trust awards a small number of grants each year of around £5,000 to £10,000.
The Trust's aims are to: Promote & advance the conservation of amphibians & reptiles, advance the education of the public of herpetofaunal nature reserves, execute, promote, support & publish research relevant to species and habitat conservation, such other purposes in England & Wales as the trustees see fit.
The trust is now open to applications for grant funding.
If you have a suitable project you can apply for funding via this link: Ludlow Management Trust
SBIS / SNS Recording Bursaries with Field Studies Council
Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service and Suffolk Naturalists' Society (SNS), in conjunction with the Field Studies Centre at Flatford Mill, are offering Recording Bursaries to assist people with the cost of attending identification courses. The aim is to provide people with the skills and experience to identify and record Suffolk wildlife. The bursary will pay for up to 100% of the non-residential fees for courses. The fund is administered by the Field Studies Council. Criteria: Applicants must be over 25 at the time the course starts and not in full-time education. The bursary is not available to those in full-time employment whose employers will pay the course fee. If the bursaries are oversubscribed, preference will be given to applicants who are members of SNS (£15 for 1 year subscription). Applicants pay 50% of the non-residential fee, but can claim this back if they submit a specified number and type of records within 3 months of completing the course For full details, see SNS website >
Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant
Applicants can now apply for the Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant – a scheme to help landowners reap the environmental and financial benefits of woodland creation. The grant is open to all qualifying land managers. Successful applicants will receive a two-year capital grant of up to £6,800 per hectare, as well as an opportunity to apply for annual maintenance payments for ten years. Find out more at Gov.UK >
Suffolk Biodiversity Project Fund
Fund administered by Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service, supported by Essex & Suffolk Water. Aim of fund: to support conservation of biodiversity in Suffolk. The project must contain the following elements in order to be eligible for funding: a) Contribute to conservation of biodiversity in Suffolk; b) Have realistic and achievable aims, methodology and timescales; and c) Demonstrate partnership working, where possible. All projects requesting more than £500 should demonstrate funding from other sources and/or significant in-kind contributions. The maximum application is £1,000 as funds are limited. To find out more and request an application form, please contact [email protected], tel: 01473 264308
County Locality Budget
Your local County Councillor can apply for a grant from the County Locality Budget on your behalf. In 2021/2022, Suffolk's county councillors have been given a locality budget of £600,000, divided between them; each councillor has £8,000 to spend. Councillors are able to make recommendations about funding from this budget for local projects in their division, which should benefit the community. Locality Budget is for capital items, capacity building, and one-off events The amounts are fairly small, typically £100 - £2,500, but can be very useful in gaining match-funding, for instance as the Third-Party contribution for Landfill Tax Credit funding. It will also help to show community commitment for your bid to have the support of the local County Councillor. Local County Councillor contact details are available on the Suffolk County Council website >
Suffolk Coast and Heaths grants
Various grants are available through Suffolk Coast and Heaths. Visit webpage >