Up to £70,000 of grant funding is now open for applications

The Sustainable Development Fund opens to applications for projects that benefit the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

The Sustainable Development Fund is available to a variety of community and conservation organisations (or individuals) to support projects for the conservation and enhancement of the Coast & Heaths AONB and the Dedham Vale AONB. 

The AONB is seeking applications from local community projects that are innovative, socially inclusive, sustainable, that benefit the public and involve partnership working. 

Whether you have a project that works in the arts, media, conservation, learning, heritage, food, health, accessibility, and diversity, to give you but a few examples, we welcome your applications.    

There is no limit to the amount of funding projects can apply for.  In 2020-21 the Sustainable Development Fund awarded in the region of £500 to £4,700 per project.  In 2020-21 the Sustainable Development Fund supported 43 projects across the AONBs. 

Previous projects that have been funded by the Sustainable Development Fund include climate change awareness courses, art workshops for tackling men’s mental health, training for canoe trips, and improving access to nature for people on the autistic spectrum. 

Men holding cut plants

The following grants are now open for applications:

Applicants need not necessarily come from, or be based in, the AONB. However, projects must further the conservation and enhancement of the AONB.

The Sustainable Development Fund is a fund provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to enable local communities and other organisations to make a difference in AONBs by promoting and achieving sustainable development, partnership, and social inclusion.

These projects focus on integrating the environment, local communities, and the economy so that the unique landscape of the AONB is conserved and its natural beauty enhanced, making it more enjoyable for all.

The closing date for applications to be received for the Sustainable Development Fund is Monday 17th May 2021.

For more information please contact Oka Last, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Grants Officer, on 01394 445225 or [email protected].