GO AHEAD FOR NEW GREEN GRANT SCHEME

GO AHEAD FOR NEW GREEN GRANT SCHEME

More than £200,000 is being set aside by Folkestone & Hythe District Council to support sustainability projects cutting carbon emissions, enhancing social cohesion and helping nature and wildlife.

The new Green Grant Programme was approved by cabinet members on Wednesday (22 January) and will be open to a wide range of organisations including community groups, schools, parish and town councils, charities and small businesses.

The scheme builds on the success of a previous council grant scheme for businesses and will offer up to 80% of a project’s cost with small groups able to apply for a micro grant of up to 100%.

Cllr Stephen Scoffham, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Biodiversity, said: “We know local community groups are incredibly keen to develop ideas to improve sustainability but just need the funding to get these ideas off the ground.

“The money will be available over the next two years and is particularly targeted at groups enhancing social cohesion, increasing climate resilience and reducing carbon footprints by increasing energy efficiency and enhancing green spaces and areas for local wildlife.”

There will be four categories offering grants of up to £1,000, £10,000, £15,000 and £20,000 and the programme will be open for applications next month.

Applications will be assessed initially by council officers and eligible proposals will be passed on to a panel of councillors for a final decision.

Grants are paid once there is evidence that a project has been either launched or completed, depending on the size of the award.

More information about the scheme will be published in early February on the council website and be promoted to local groups, businesses and schools.