Species Survival Fund – The National Lottery Heritage Fund (on behalf of Defra)
The Species Survival Fund will support the creation and restoration of wildlife-rich habitats in England. It is open to individuals and organisations working to recover nature.
Projects must deliver against the fund theme of habitat creation and restoration, including ecosystem restoration, to support species abundance at a landscape, catchment or local scale, either within or outside of protected sites.
This can include targeted actions taken as part of wider habitat creation or restoration projects.
The Fund are offering grants of £250,000 to £3m for projects of maximum two years’ duration. You are encouraged to contribute at least 5% of your project costs in cash (partnership funding).
Priority will be given to projects that can provide partnership funding from non-government sources such as private investment.
The deadline for expressions of interest is 24 July 2023.
A limited number of small grants are available to established UK registered charities of high repute for arts and social issues anywhere in the world.
Applications may be made at any time in writing by established UK registered charities of high repute operating in any part of the world. Total value of all grants awarded during the year ended 30 September 2020: £63,180 (2019: £44,510).
Although this is a discretionary grant-making Trust with the ability to make donations for a wide range of charitable causes across the world, in practice it prefers to focus its support on established UK charities of “high repute” linked to arts and social issues.
Awards made consisted of a mixture of new and repeat grants ranging from £200 to £15,000 (to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and the Royal Albert Hall).
d/Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations – Lloyds Bank Foundation
This programme is for small and local charities with an income between £25,000 to £500,000 which are led by and working with d/Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty. Organisations can apply for a three year unrestricted grant of £75,000.
The Barnstaple and North Devon Dispensary Fund provides one off grants to people who are sick and poor and who live in the North Devon area.
Grants are provided on a named person basis for non-recurring funding for a specific purpose. As a health related Charity they are in a position to provide funding for a wide range of needs, eg safety & medical equipment/appliances, hospital travel expenses and specialised communication equipment. They cannot provide grants to alleviate financial hardship.
Referrals should be made via Health, Social Service or Voluntary worker. All requests are considered individually according to merit and need, so please do not hesitate to get in touch if such a need arises.
As they are winding up their business, Go North Devon have a number of office items available that they would like to offer to other local businesses and organisations for a small donation.
Items include:
L-shape cherry wood coloured desk (vinyl wrap) 253x50cm or 178x50cm (can be converted from L-shape to a standard desk). 72cm high.
Pine coloured (vinyl wrap) desk (bit tatty on the edge) 120x79cm x 73cm high
New Stories, New Audiences – Association of Independent Museums (AIM)
AIM know that all museums need to increase and widen their audiences to enhance their sustainability, and to widen participation to groups that are currently under-represented. They want New Stories New Audiences to inspire museums to stay relevant to their audiences and to increase their impact.
Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, New Stories New Audiences is open to all AIM members in the small museum category (up to 20,000 visitors).
They will fund projects up to £15,000 that result in a wider range of people being involved in heritage at your organisation. They expect you to have identified a new story that you wish to tell and undertaken some initial research to identify who the new audience will be. They also expect you to work with a new partner, to work differently and to try something new.
Successful projects will be allocated an experienced project mentor and will take part in the New Stories New Audiences network with other successful applicants. At the end of your project, you will be brought together to share learning, contribute to the evaluation of the experience and inform the creation of new resources.
supports the development and practice of the skills, knowledge and experience that underpin the UK’s heritage and crafts sector. This includes support for emerging craftspeople of high quality, craft and conservation projects and training, projects demonstrating creative outcomes by designer-makers, projects with potential for capacity building within the sector, and some special needs projects focusing on the therapeutic benefits of skills development.
The Trustees will consider making occasional grants in other areas of cultural creativity related to their concerns for heritage and crafts, including theatre, performance, and literature, especially where projects can be shown to contribute to the promotion and development of high-level skills among early career practitioners and disadvantaged groups.
Our deadline is 31st July for applications to both the Music and Heritage & Crafts schemes for consideration in December.
If you wish to discuss your application, please contact our Administrator on 01285 841900 or via radcliffe@thetrustpartnership.com. Any guidance given offers no guarantee of success.
Eat it up Fund – Hubbub & Starbucks
Hubbub has launched a £200,000 fund to support innovative ideas to tackle food waste. Supported by Starbucks, they’re offering grants of up to £40,000.
They’re ready to back initiatives that do one or more of the following:
Address pre-farmgate waste
Prevent food from being wasted at the manufacturing and processing stage
Minimise food waste from retailers
Find creative ways to use surplus food in communities or at home
They can support ideas that are ready to test, or concepts that have been tested and are ready to progress further. Their wider aims are to make a positive impact on our environment and communities.
The fund is open to a wide range of organisations including charities, local authorities, schools, universities and small businesses.
The closing date for expressions of interest is 21 July 2023.
Exhibition: Revealing the Human Form: Sculpture from Leading British Artists of the Last Century
The Burton at Bideford to show sculpture by leading artists in the history of modern and contemporary British art.
A touring exhibition of sculpture by some of the most prominent British sculptors of the last century opens at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum, Bideford on 15 July 2023.
Revealing the Human Form features 30 sculptures by internationally renowned artists including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Antony Gormley and Rachel Whiteread, who was the first woman to win the prestigious Turner Prize in 1993.
The works on display all form part of the Arts Council Collection and the British Council Collection, and the exhibition was produced in partnership with Banbury Museum and Gallery in Oxford.
Bringing together an exceptional selection of works never previously exhibited in North Devon, this exhibition marks a significant cultural moment for Bideford.
Revealing the Human Form officially opens Saturday 15 July 2023 and runs until Tuesday 5 September 2023. The gallery, museum and shop are open daily.
Welcome to the newest edition of our newsletter on North Devon housing news.
In this newsletter we’ll let you know about:
NDC and Lendology recognised by national award
Update from our Outreach team
Supporting homeowners to keep roofs in good repair
Homes for Ukraine update
Pickwell’s Refugee Week
Chivenor resettlement for Aghan citizens
Short-term lets sector government consultations
Energy efficiency upgrades available for low-income households without mains gas
Calling all landlords
Compliments for our housing team
Empty Homes project update
NDC and Lendology recognised by national award.
Together with social enterprise lender, Lendology CIC, we have been recognised by a prestigious national award. We work in partnership with Lendology to tackle empty homes and revitalise communities, and this has been highly commended in the “Best Partnership Award” category by the Empty Homes Network Awards 2023.
For over a decade, we and Lendology have worked together to address the pressing issue of empty homes in the region. Our collaborative efforts have resulted in significant improvements in living standards, increased accessibility, and enhanced energy efficiency for homeowners.
Lead Member for Housing at North Devon Council, Councillor Graham Bell says: “We are delighted to be highly commended in the Best Partnership Award category with Lendology CIC. We launched our empty homes project last year together with around 12 other projects as part of our Housing and Community Safety Programme, which aims to increase the available housing stock in North Devon to tackle our housing crisis.
“We are passionate about bringing empty homes back into use and our partnership work with Lendology CIC is a vital tool to support homeowners to fund repairs and improvements. Although our empty homes project is still in its infancy, our renewed policy has already allowed us to lend significant funds to renovate a number of long term empty properties. We have received some great feedback from our customers about our innovative partnership with Lendology CIC and that has encouraged us to continue to develop our relationship. We look forward to supporting more owners and helping them to bring their empty homes back into use.”
For more information about the loans available, visit www.lendology.org.uk or call Lendology on 01823 461099.
Update from our Outreach team.
Our Service Lead Housing, Vulnerable Persons and Community Safety, Natasha Rowland says: “We now have a mix of bespoke/exclusive use temporary accommodation for rough sleepers with 17 spaces available at any one time.
“Unfortunately, rough sleeper numbers in and around Barnstaple remain quite high with around 17 people rough sleeping at any one time.
“Despite our best efforts not every rough sleeper will want accommodation immediately. We do not turn our backs on these clients but offer welfare support ensuring all is well and that they are safe, fit and cared for.
“Those in accommodation have different levels of need and some require a lot of support which is why we operate 24 hours a day 365 days of the year.”
Supporting homeowners to keep roofs in good repair.
We are supporting eligible homeowners to assess the current condition of their roofs and seek advice on the maintenance, repair, or replacement work required to keep homes in good condition.
Through our work with Lendology, we subsidise a home improvement loan scheme for eligible homeowners to finance a wide range of home repairs, adaptations, energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy measures.
If you are considering a more significant renovation, such as a full replacement or re-thatch, or even installing solar panels, Lendology may be able to help. For more information about the loan scheme, visit www.lendology.org.uk or call Lendology on 01823 461099.
Homes for Ukraine update.
Devon-based charity, The Pickwell Foundation works locally to provide assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, including offering support to Ukrainians and their sponsors in northern Devon through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Together with the local district councils, Pickwell is appealing to residents to help them grow their list of sponsors in the area. If you think you might be able to assist, please rematching@northdevonwithukraine.co.uk or call 07951914829 where there is a dedicated advisor on hand to offer support.
Pickwell’s Refugee Week.
The Pickwell Foundation, would love to invite you to their ‘Afternoon of Compassion’ event for Refugee Week 2023.
Date/Time: Sunday 25 June 2-5pm
Location: Landmark theatre, Ilfracombe
There’ll be live music from Small Town Jones, Jules Moberly and M’Larky (The Grampus Inn house band), craft activities, informative talks, food tasting and fun for the kids.
The launch of their new short film – “When the Asylum Seekers Came to Town”.
Filmed on location in Ilfracombe by Dan Atkins Film, it tells the story of both the Pickwell Foundation volunteers and also the sanctuary seekers they met, whilst residing in the asylum hotel in Ilfracombe. It is a highly emotive piece which they hope will show the impact of how love and compassion, in abundance, has on the mental and physical wellbeing of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
The film will be shown alongside an exhibition of Toby Adamson incredible photographs, Toby is a UK-based photographer and filmmaker who has travelled the world documenting people and telling visual stories. His incredibly powerful images have been woven with words by Mark Read of the Salvation Army, who joined The Foundation throughout this period of support.
The film and exhibition are a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and hope in a world that so needs that right now. They are a must-see for anyone who wants to be inspired by the human spirit.
In June 2022, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) offered 12 units of family accommodation at RMB Chivenor. This was part of a national scheme, providing up to 550 houses across the country, to assist families who had an association with UK armed forces.
Officers reported to Full Council in July 2022 with a recommendation to lease six of these units under the then Security Force Assistance Scheme (now the ARAP).
The Home Secretary has recently announced that all bridging hotels accommodating Afghan citizens will be closed. Residents will be issued with three months’ notice to vacate. Those who are unable to secure alternative accommodation will be advised to approach a local authority as homeless.
At the council’s recent Strategy and Resources Committee, Members resolved to accommodate more people from Afghanistan under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme in North Devon, by maximising the use of all 12 of the houses at RMB Chivenor.
The local closure of two bridging hotels could impact on housing services in North Devon. Increasing the supply of temporary accommodation at RMB Chivenor reduces the risk of a lack of supply and/or increased costs associated with the council’s statutory homeless duties.
Short-term lets sector government consultations.
Consultation on a registration scheme
This Council, along with others, has been lobbying government about the condition of the local housing market including the impact from short-term holiday lets.
The number of properties operating as short-term holiday let businesses in North Devon has increased from 1796 in April 2022 to 1895 in April 2023 and so this issue is still very much alive in North Devon. These are just the lets that are identified through the business rates system and so there are likely to be many more operating through the council tax system which can not be identified.
There are concerns about inconsistencies within the regulatory framework for the guest accommodation sector: unlike with hotels and B&Bs, it is difficult to monitor compliance with key health and safety regulations by short-term lets given the lack of an authoritative data source. Concerns have also been raised in areas with a high concentration of short-term lets about the impact on the availability and affordability of local rental housing and increased house prices driven by additional demand from owners of short-term lets. There can also be negative effects on local areas of anti-social behaviour, and a broader ‘hollowing out’ of communities.
In recognition of the growing issues and stakeholder calls for further action, a Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCSM) consultation has been launched looking at three high-level possible approaches to a registration scheme with detailed questions about the design.
The register of short-term lets would provide data, which would help to provide local authorities with information about which premises are being let out in their area. This would provide valuable information to help them manage the housing market impact of high numbers of short-term lets (where this is an issue), and apply and enforce the use class changes, should this measure be introduced.
Planning permission.
Alongside the introduction of a registration scheme, the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has also committed to consult on planning measures that would help local areas have greater ability to control any future increase in the number of short term lets in their area and support the retention of existing properties to buy or to rent.
This consultation seeks views on the introduction of a short-term let use class. In addition it seeks views on the introduction of new permitted development rights to provide flexibility where short term lets are not a local issue, and which allows for this flexibility to be removed where there is local concern. They are additionally seeking views on how homeowners might be provided with flexibility to let out their sole or main home for up to 30 nights in a calendar year.
The DLUHC consultation is separate but will run concurrently with the DCMS consultation.
We are supportive of both of these consultations. It is clear from our area that short-term holiday lets are beyond saturation point in particular North Devon villages. Schools have been at risk of closure and many people are unable to afford housing in those areas now. The increase in the number of short-term holiday lets has also impacted on the ability to find rental accommodation as many landlords have switched over to holiday letting, which has caused many problems for the community and local businesses whose staff are unable to find accommodation. Regulation in this area will therefore positively impact on those communities and businesses.
Energy efficiency upgrades available for low-income households without mains gas.
Lower-income householders across Devon whose homes are not on the gas grid are invited to apply for free energy efficiency improvements to their homes.
Eligible homeowners will be supported throughout the works and can help decide what improvements are made.
All those supported through the scheme will receive a whole house energy improvement plan which can be used to carry out further, self-funded measures in the future.
The Home Upgrade Grant scheme aims to deliver energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to low-income households living in poorly performing homes.
Devon County Council has secured £13.2 million funding to deliver this project over two years from April 2023 until March 2025.
Officers in our Temporary Accommodation and Housing Options teams are working hard to try and find solutions for those at risk of homelessness.
Just a reminder that we are looking for landlords who may have accommodation available for rental. If you’re a landlord or a prospective landlord, please come to us and we can work with you to find a tenant suitable for your property.
We will offer some support at the start of the tenancy for those that may require it and also in some cases financial assistance with rent in advance or deposits.
We are also calling out to landlords for suitable properties that we could use for temporary accommodation under the private rented sector lease scheme. If you’re a landlord with a two or three bedroom unit in the main town areas, please do contact us for further information (01271 388870 or online).
Recent compliments for our housing officers.
Our housing officers are extremely passionate about supporting those in housing need and work very hard to get the best results for their clients. It’s lovely when they receive positive comments, and we thought we’d share a few of them with you…
“I just wanted to say a very big thank you for all your help, support, advice and understanding through this very difficult part of my life, I really appreciate everything you have done for me over the last few months.”
“Thank you for your kind email. Your council has a human touch which not all councils have. THANK YOU!”
“[Officer] deserves a pay rise, so helpful patient and kind.”
“Thank you for arranging to have the ramp installed outside of my house, I am so pleased.”
Empty Homes Project update.
At the end of April 2023 we contacted around 450 owners of homes empty for less than two years to offer support to bring their properties back into use. Around 60 have responded with updates ranging from the property now being occupied, marketed to sell or used as a second home and I have passed those on to council tax to update their records.
I have been working collaboratively with revenues to identify those empty homes with large council tax arrears and we have agreed to consider four for a charging order in August 2023. These could lead to the enforced sale of the properties to recover the debt and bring them back into use.
We have also agreed to target those properties that have been council tax exempt because probate has not been granted on a deceased estate. There are around 300 awaiting probate and whilst most are in the process of being resolved, around 10 are longer term.
We will also begin to target those properties that may be suitable for an empty dwelling management order and will select a few to test the process and build experience.
North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Sustainable Development Fund
Grants for People, Nature, Heritage and Climate are available for projects to be carried out by the end of January 2024.
The grant scheme is open to community groups, schools, businesses and parishes with grants of up to £4,000 for projects within the coastal parishes of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in North Devon and Torridge.
The fund is supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DeFRA). Its purpose is to help deliver the policies and actions in the AONB Management Plan. Last year, 12 new projects were funded with grants averaging £1,800 matched with cash and in-kind time. Supported projects must have an environmental, community, economic or social benefit or connect people with the landscape, heritage and nature of the AONB.
The 14 eligible parishes this grant scheme covers are:
Abbotsham
Alwington
Berrynarbor
Braunton
Clovelly
Combe Martin
Geoergeham & Croyde
Hartland
Ilfracombe
Mortehoe & Woolacombe
Northam & Westward Ho!
Welcombe
West Down
Woolsery
You can find a full list of successful projects from last year as well as information on how to apply at the North Devon AONB website. For an informal chat contact Laura Carolan on 01271 388268 or email aonb@devon.gov.uk
Landscape Recovery Scheme – application deadline 21 September 2023
£15 million is available for the second round of the Government’s Landscape Recovery scheme which supports landscape and ecosystem recovery through long-term projects. Three Devon projects were successful in the first round of the scheme: East Dartmoor; Killerton Three Rivers; and the Axe Landscape Partnership.
Landscape Recovery forms part of the Environmental Land Management Scheme, together with the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship.
The scheme represents a new approach to supporting long-term, significant habitat restoration and land use change, with the aim of delivering a range of outcomes, focussing on net zero, biodiversity and water quality.
For Round Two, the funding is for projects that support net zero, protected sites, and wildlife-rich habitat.
Landscape Recovery is open to all private land managers and landowners, either individually or as part of a group. Your project must be on a broadly connected area of at least 500 hectares (ha) in England.
If successful, you will be awarded project development funding over two years. The aim is to progress to the implementation of the project over a 20-year period.
For full guidance and the criteria for applying, visit the GOV.UK website
Community Ownership Fund – Department for Levelling UP, Housing and Communities
The government is providing £150 million over 4 years to support community groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost.
Voluntary and community groups can bid for funding to acquire important assets and run them for the benefit of the local community.
The Fund will run until March 2025 with regular bidding windows for applicants to submit a full application to the Fund.
An updated prospectus for the Fund was launched on 12 May 2023 and the current bidding window for round 3 closes at midday on 12 July 2023.
Information on how to create a strong application as well as links to the prospectus for the fund can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Theatres Trust’s Small Grants Programme, supported by The Linbury Trust, funds small projects that make a big impact to a theatre’s resilience, sustainability, accessibility or improving the diversity of audiences.
This scheme provides grants of up to £5,000 for essential works to enable not-for-profit theatres across the UK to be viable and thrive in the future.
To be eligible to apply to the scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they:
Own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than five years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Run a year-round programme of live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year
Have a UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years.
Deadline for applications is noon 12 January 2024. To download a grant application form, terms, and conditions please visit the Theatre Trust website.
Big Bike Revival- application deadline 31 July 2023
The Big Bike Revival is about helping people to begin or return to cycling through a programme of free activities and services, delivered by local community organisations.
If your organisation can help to get more people cycling more often by running events that give people the skills they need to ride a bike safely, you can apply for a grant of up to £2,000.
Grants can be used for equipment to expand capacity, venue hire for learn events or instructors to lead bike rides.
Community-based organisations such as volunteer-led groups, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises can apply.
For more information on the grant application, process and how to apply visit the Cycling UK website.
Community Grants – Devon Community Foundation
The Devon Community Foundation Community Grants are designed to enable small, local, grassroots organisations across Devon to support, encourage and develop thriving communities.
Applications of up to £2,000 that fall with the following funding themes will be considered:
Assisting Families in need
Bringing people together
Developing life skills
Enabling disabled people
Encouraging safety and resilience
Helping people find and keep a home
Keeping people safe and well
Offering training and work opportunities
Promoting access to arts, culture and nature
Everything you need to know about applying for a Community Grant can be found on the Devon Community Foundation website.
That bit at the end…!
North Devon Voluntary Service (NDVS) Revitalising Volunteer Events June/July 2023
The NDVS is busy planning an exciting Revitalising Volunteer event which has been made possible thanks to National Lottery community funding. This particular event, which is planned for the end of June/early July, is aimed at supporting and interacting with our younger community members – working with them to understand their needs, and the gaps within our communities to fulfil them.
Also they are looking at how volunteering can help younger community members not only with their future career aspirations, with a solid reference and enhanced CV, but also support their mental and perhaps physical fitness.
The NDVS are looking for:
Any young people that would like to become part of a forum
VCS Groups and relevant organisations interested in attending the event
VOLUNTEER MANAGER, AGE CONCERN BARNSTAPLE AND NORTH DEVON
28 hours a week, £14ph
We are looking for someone with volunteer management, or staff management experience.
A warm and energetic people person with excellent communication skills.
Experience of social media, events, marketing and training would be helpful.
Good administration/IT skills are essential.
Experience of volunteering and supporting older people would be an advantage. See Indeed for details. Please send a CV and covering letter to amanda@ageconcernnorthdevon.org.uk
To chat about the role phone Amanda on 07792 640818
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SERVICE MANAGER, AGE CONCERN BARNSTAPLE AND NORTH DEVON
25 hours per week, flexible hours to cover activities, £14.00 per hour. Duties to include:
Supporting, managing and developing the Community Activities Programme across Barnstaple, and North Devon including Pop In Mornings, Afternoon Clubs, Lunch Clubs, Singing, Exercise etc.
Carry out venue risk assessments, register clients, manage volunteers, update CharityLog database and carry out awareness roadshows and events.
To have awareness and understanding of the issues facing older people. To have a car/driving licence. See Indeed for details. Please send a CV and covering letter to amanda@ageconcernnorthdevon.org.uk
To chat about the role phone Amanda on 07792 640818
Please feel free to give us a call on 01271 388253 to discuss any projects before submitting your application.
Fund deadline fast approaching: Community Development Fund
The Recovery Devon 2023 Community Development Fund is open for applications – – although the deadline for applications is Sunday21st May 2023 at 9.00am.
Awards from £50 to £750 are available for projects by anyone who is passionate about creating opportunities for recovery, in interesting and ‘out of the box’ ways. They welcome any innovative, recovery-focused project ideas that would benefit from a small amount of financial support. Project leads can also make use of our community development expertise.
They encourage those with lived experience of mental health struggles to apply, especially if it’s something that will also help your own recovery. You do not need to have had any experience with running projects before, if this is your first venture in setting up something in your community then Recovery Devon can offer connections and resources to help.
Further information, along with how to apply, can be found on their website: recoverydevon.co.uk/2023
Wolfson Foundation’s Older People Grant programme
The Wolfson Foundation’s Older People Grant programme supports UK registered charities and local authorities which provide care and services for older people, particularly if they have a neurodegenerative condition, such as Parkinson’s Disease, spinal muscular atrophy or Alzheimer’s, or are socially isolated.
Projects should be for a new building, refurbishment work or equipment that leads to one or more of the following aims:
Improved financial stability of the organisation
Improved quality and range of services, and/or
Increased access to services for new and existing users
Applying organisations should:
Be a registered charity or a local authority,
and, if applicable have at least a ‘Good’ rating from a regulator such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The minimum grant available is £15,000. Grant awards are normally in the range of £20.000 and £75,000. Please note that there is a matched funding requirement for projects with a total cost of over £50,000.
The Foundation has a 2-stage application process with the following key dates:
Opened to Stage 1 applications on Sunday 14th May 2023. 2. Stage 1 application deadline: Saturday 1st July 2023 at 23:59. 3. Stage 2 application deadline: Friday 1st September 2023 at 23:59. 4. Funding decisions: December 2023.
Further information, guidance and details about how to apply is available on the Wolfson Foundation website.
Torridge launch Town Centre Beautification Scheme
Torridge District Council has announced a new scheme to support local independent businesses (within the TDC area) with grants of up to £1000 available to help improve or repair shop fronts or other potential “beautification projects” within town centres. The funding has been made available as part of the money allocated to Torridge under the UK Shared Prosperity fund, with a 50:50 match funding arrangement. Under the scheme the council will contribute up to 50% of a project’s total cost with the business at least matching the Torridge grant contribution.
The funding is aimed at encouraging the creation of more attractive town centres and enhance the character of the towns across the district. Proposals will be marshalled under the umbrella of the councils “beautification project,” with the aim of making town centres more attractive and increasing footfall, whilst encouraging new businesses and projects to open up within the town centres.
The Council has set a deadline of 7th June 2023 for the receipt of applications and would like to hear from businesses in Bideford, Northam, Westward Ho!, Appledore, Great Torrington and Holsworthy. Any projects will need to fit in with the local aesthetics of the area and take into consideration other aspects such as conservation areas. All projects must be completed by October 2023 and as examples might include replacing shop fronts, windows doors and guttering, painting of existing shop fronts, replacement signage, or town centre art projects.
For more information on eligibility please contact Kirsty Defranceski (Town Centre Project Officer) at Torridge District Council on 01237 428919 or email economic.development@torridge.gov.uk if you would like to discuss the scheme further.
Community Fridges bring people together around good food. Across the UK they are reducing social isolation, increasing access to skills, sharing knowledge and repurposing fresh (surplus) food.
The funder knows that many groups want to do more, and so in partnership with Starbucks they are offering £7,000 (per group) in funding for up to 50 Community Fridge feel free to apply.
Exmoor Open Water Swim is offering 100 free charity places for this year’s swim but you need to be quick! The free charity tickets will only be available from 0800 on 20th May for 48 hours before tickets go on general release.
All you need to do is log on to exmoorswim.co.uk at 0800 on 20th May, sign up and pledge to raise £200 for local environmental charity Plastic Free North Devon – but you’ve only got 48 hours to do so! Fundraisers will receive a complimentary Exmoor Swim t-shirt as well as being entered into a prize draw to win a dryrobe®. General tickets will go on sale at 0800 on 22nd May.
The Exmoor Open Water Swim takes place at the beautiful Wimbleball Lake on Sunday 24 September and is said to be one of the friendliest and most inclusive open water swims around. Since its inception six years ago the event has become a firm fixture in the open water swim calendar. Its goal is to give everyone the opportunity to dive into nature’s wild embrace and swim in this incredible setting in the heart of Exmoor, no matter what your experience.
Swimmers can choose from four distances. Whether you’re taking part in your first open water swim or you’re a more experienced athlete looking for a real challenge, there’s a distance for you.
Distances include 6km, 4km and 2km where swimmers, in a wetsuit or skins. The 1km swimmers can enjoy the event’s non-competitive course which is a truly accessible swim distance for all ages, experiences and abilities.
In contrast, the 6km elite course is for those looking to really challenge themselves. They will swim one lap of the 4km course and one lap of the 2km course and must be able to swim at the faster pace of less than 28 minutes per mile equivalent in a pool to participate.
While there are medals for those who come in the top three for their age groups, and participation medals for all, the majority of swimmers will simply be challenging themselves to participate in a safe and friendly open-water swimming environment.
The Exmoor Open Water Swim, in association with dryrobe® and the event’s other sponsors, 79 Group and Ninety One, is also delighted to announce that 100% of the profits from the swim and the Croyde Ocean Triathlon will go to charity.
We have been busy preparing to launch this year’s Community Councillor Grant (CCG) scheme which has been agreed for 2023 to 2027.
… again giving each of our 42 Councillors £1000 to distribute to local projects!
We hope to launch the fund mid-May so keep checking our website and get your application submitted: Community Councillor Grants (CCG)
We hope to launch the fund mid-May so keep checking our website and get your application submitted: Community Councillor Grants (CCG)
Please feel free to give us a call on 01271 388253 to discuss any projects.
The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund
Grants are available to registered charities and organisations for proposals wanting to work with young people who have a criminal conviction or proposals focused on targeted work with high-risk young people on the edge of the criminal justice system.
The Trust’s funding opportunity for work with young people aged 11-25 with criminal convictions is currently open to application with a deadline of 23.59 on Sunday 21st May 2023. Projects supporting the following beneficiaries are likely to be prioritised:
Young people from Black or minorities / racialised communities
Young people who have experienced the care system, and/or
Young women and girls
Organisations wanting to make an application to work with high-risk young people on the edge of the criminal justice system can apply for a grant between Monday 18th September and Sunday 29th October 2023.
The Trust offers grants of up to £80,000 over a 2-year period. The maximum amount available per year is £40,000. Grants are for project costs rather than core funding.
The Trust is particularly interested in proposals that:
Demonstrate that they understand the wide range of challenges and issues that will need to be addressed to help a young person succeed after being released from a Young Offenders Institution or prison.
Have specific outcomes and targets related to individual development, health and well-being, employability, education, and social cohesion, and/or
Show existing work with young people who have been in the criminal justice system is already taking place and can evidence a track record of helping them to achieve positive outcomes.
The Trust usually visits more applicants than it awards grants to. The application process is:
Completion of the online application form on the Triangle Trust website.
The Trust’s representative(s) will visit shortlisted applicants.
Grant awards are normally confirmed 5-6 months once the application deadline has passed.
Charles Hayward Foundation – Small Grants Fund (Older people)
Grants are available up to £7000 for charities with an annual income of less than £350,000.
This programme wishes to fund preventative and early intervention programmes being delivered at the community level which allow older people to stay in their own homes and remain independent.
They are particularly interested in seeking out programmes which show some creativity in improving the quality of life of older people which:
aim to alleviate isolation and depression in older people, including informal day care or social, physical and recreational activities
give practical help, assistance and support for older people living in their own homes
address the emotional and practical needs of older carers, or
meet the specific needs of people with dementia
Applications will be considered every three months (March, June, September and December). Visit their website Charles Hayward Foundation for further information.
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The Burton celebrates 40 years of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse with a new family-friendly exhibition
The Burton at Bideford is delighted to be hosting a new exhibition celebrating 40 years since the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s beloved modern classic, War Horse. And what better place to celebrate than in the county where the author has lived since the 1970s.
The exhibition was curated to accompany a special 40th anniversary edition of the book published by Farshore in October 2022. The book features a new cover from fine arts photographer, Nine Francois, and is illustrated by the award-winning war and reportage artist, George Butler.
Michael Morpurgo will be in conversation with Collections and Exhibitions Manager, Warren Collum, at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum on Sunday 18 June at 2pm.
40 Years of War Horse will be on display at the Burton from 22 May until 3 July. The Burton is open daily and admission is free.
We have been busy preparing to launch this year’s Community Councillor Grant (CCG) scheme which has been agreed for 2023 to 2027.
… again giving each of our 42 Councillors £1000 to distribute to local projects!
We hope to launch the fund mid-May so keep checking our website and get your application submitted: Community Councillor Grants (CCG)
Please feel free to give us a call on 01271 388253 to discuss any projects.
The Learning Through Landscapes Trust – deadline 28th April 2023
The Learning Through Landscapes Trust’s Local School Nature Grants programme aims to promote outdoor learning among young children by awarding early years providers and schools in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) with a budget of up to £500 for outdoor resources and training.
Successful applicants will also be supported by a 2-hour training session. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how children are actively involved in making decisions about projects that also engage with local communities. Applications that can incorporate these elements into their application are likely to be prioritised for grant support.
Awards can be used to purchase outdoor materials from the Local School Nature Fund catalogue such as bee and insect hotels, bird boxes, gardening tools, outdoor clothing for children and adults, such as wellington boots, and Wildlife watching kits, including outdoor cameras.
Applications must come from early-years groups or schools. Applications from Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), ‘Friends of’ groups and governors are not eligible.
The next application deadline is Friday 28th April 2023. Further deadlines for 2023 are scheduled for: 9th June, 8th September, and 10th November.
Museum Estate and Development Fund – Arts Council England
This is an open-access capital fund targeted at non-national Accredited museums and local authorities based in England to apply for funding to undertake vital infrastructure and urgent maintenance backlogs which are beyond the scope of day-to-day maintenance budgets.
The grant range is between £50,000 and £5 million. The deadline for expressions of interest is 21 April 2023.
Grants of up to £1,000, are available to registered charities in Devon that are enabling mentally and/or physically disabled children and young adults enjoy a better quality of life.
Its objectives are to help children and young adults aged 18 and below who are from deprived backgrounds and/or who are mentally and/or physically disabled to enjoy a better quality of life by making grants for providing or paying for items, services or facilities.
Please note that the Foundation does not maintain a website. Further information is, however, available on the Charity Commission website.
Benefact Trust
Benefact Trust’s Building Improvement Grants programme provides essential support to protect and enhance churches and Christian charity buildings, ensuring their continued use, viability, and the safeguarding of their heritage.
The programme is open to applications from churches, cathedrals, denominational bodies and Christian charities.
Under Building Improvement Grants, they are able to support direct capital costs relating to the following types of work:
Essential, one-off repairs or other capital works to ensure the continued use or viability of a building (capital work must be considered urgent or necessary within 12 months)
Minor capital works or equipment purchases to meet operational or accessibility requirements (e.g. essential operational equipment, AV equipment, hearing loops, ramps, etc)
Conservation or restoration of historic features (e.g. stained glass, carvings, interior furnishings, clocks, tower bells, organs etc) which contribute to preservation and appreciation of a building’s heritage
Other aesthetic enhancements (e.g. interior decoration, furnishings or public realm improvements) to improve indoor or outdoor spaces for users
Energy efficiency/renewable energy measures (e.g. heating/lighting upgrades, solar panels, etc) which improve the sustainability of church buildings/facilities and enable their continued use
All applicants will be expected to have secured funding for at least 30% of their total project costs before making an application.
Full details of how to apply are on the Benefact Trust website.
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Plastic-Free North Devon: New Toy Library for Hele Bay Beach
The bespoke hand-built shed, featuring designs by Ilfracombe Junior school children and brought to life by local artist Faye Allison, is the latest toy library to be installed as part of local environmental charity Plastic Free North Devon’s Visitor Campaign.
The aim of the toy libraries is to provide a resource for families to be part of a ‘circular economy’ when it comes to beach toys – rather than families buying buckets, spades, and polystyrene body-boards for their holidays and them being abandoned on our beaches, sent to landfill, or just sitting unused at the back of cupboards. Families can borrow beach toys for their holiday and then bring them back at the end of their stay, ready for another family to use.
This latest Toy Library is the third installed with funding from the Welcome Back Fund through North Devon Council (fourth in total) benefitting visitors and locals in North Devon beachside locations to protect our coastline.
The toy libraries are just one way that the Visitor Campaign seeks to harness the collective power of local businesses and community to educate and empower visitors to protect and care for the amazing nature right here on our doorstep.
The campaign includes resources and ideas for businesses to use to inspire behavioural change, a newly released Sustainable Housekeeping Toolkit for cleaners, property managers and business owners, and a discount on the Protect our Playground sustainable wooden belly-boards for all Visitor Campaign sign ups.
Grants for projects that will make a difference to the lives of people living in rural communities in the UK.
The Prince’s Countryside Fund provides grants up to £25,000 for community-led projects that will create a long-term difference in remote rural areas of the UK. The funding is for innovative projects that build resilience through community-led solutions, from groups and organisations who are working in villages, hamlets and small market towns.
The outcomes that the Prince’s Countryside Fund seeks to achieve through the programme include:
reinvigorating or developing community networks
improving the health and well-being of socially isolated people
creating a legacy of support and promoting community spirit and cohesion
communities supporting one another through volunteering opportunities
promoting a greener economy by encouraging people to travel less and utilise locally grown and crafted products.
Applications are accepted from properly constituted, not for profit organisations with an income of less than £500,000.
Application deadline 11 April 2023. For more information on the fund and how to apply visit the Princes Countryside Fund website.
Community News
What is Travel Training?
Travel Training enables your volunteers or staff to support clients with travel independence and confidence. Whether your clients need door-to-destination, support or help with specific elements such as anxiety about getting off at the right stop or buying tickets, travel training provides a structured framework and comprehensive resources.
A workshop lasts around two hour’s in-person, bespoke to your organisation.
Some of the key aspects of training will cover:
Supporting someone to make a change.
Practical travel training tools and skills including a step-by-step approach.
Risk considerations and dealing with the unexpected.
Travel Trainer’s handbook, with tools and resources you and your clients can use.
Travel Training workshop at Barnstaple Library, Thursday 27 April 2023, 10 am – 12.30 pm. Book your place via Eventbrite the online booking service.
There’ll be live music from Small Town Jones, Jules Moberly and M’Larky (The Grampus Inn house band), craft activities, informative talks, food tasting and fun for the kids.
The launch of their new short film – “When the Asylum Seekers Came to Town”.
The film will be shown alongside an exhibition of Toby Adamson incredible photographs, Toby is a UK-based photographer and filmmaker who has travelled the world documenting people and telling visual stories. His incredibly powerful images have been woven with words by Mark Read of the Salvation Army, who joined The Foundation throughout this period of support.
