Mendip Hills Fund

Grant details

Grant size:Up to £2,000
Typical grant:£1,000
Apply by:Monday 2 December, 2024
Decision in:Late January, 2025

Who is it for?Organisations that operate in the Mendip Hills National Character Area (NCA 141) that meet our minimum standards. We can also consider projects in adjacent areas where benefit to the Mendip Hills and its communities can be demonstrated.

What is it for?To support projects that benefit communities and the environment of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB).

Apply Now

What can we use this money for?

To conserve and enhance the environment, communities and economy of the Mendip Hills Character Area. See a map of the Character area.

The aim of this fund is to offer grants so that your group can provide targeted services to:

• conserve and enhance the landscape
• promote public understanding and enjoyment of the Mendip Hills
• support the social and economic wellbeing of the Mendip Hills

If you can do that, then you can use this grant for:

• maintenance and management of natural or historic features
• small capital costs, like pieces of equipment for conservation
• education visits and activities
• information and interpretation projects, such as notice boards, walking leaflets, websites, public transport promotion etc
• outreach projects, such as targeting disadvantaged groups
• enhancing community facilities, such as village halls
• start-up costs for new social enterprises, such as farm shops, local food initiatives
• community enterprises, such as village shops, village play schemes.

Which groups can apply?

We can only consider your group for a grant from this grant programme if:

• your group operates in the Mendip Hills National Character Area (NCA 141) or run projects in adjacent areas where benefit to the Mendip Hills and its communities can be demonstrated, and

• your group meets our minimum standards.

Our minimum standards cover things like:

  • the types of groups we can give a grant to and how we expect them to be run
  • how we expect those groups to manage their finances
  • how those groups keep people safe.

All of our minimum standards are on our FAQs page, where you can also find lots of information about applying for funding.

You can also use our eligibility checker which will help you understand if you can apply for a grant from us.

When do we have to apply?

Monday 2 December, 2024.

How likely am I to get a grant?

Sadly, we can’t provide funding to every group that applies to us.

We have around £15,000 to give out from the fund each year. We’re usually able to support 2 out of every 3 applications we receive.

We’re more likely to give you some money if your group:

• most closely matches the aims of this grant programme (see What Can We Use This Money For?)
• runs on less than £500,000 a year
• has provided reliable reporting on any previous grants we’ve given you
• has not received any other money from us in the last year.

How are decisions made?

Your application will be assessed by one of our team. They’ll read through what you’ve written, look at your supporting documents, and check places like the Charity Commission and your website. We may contact you if we have any questions.

A recommendation will usually then be made, and a panel will make the final decision. Most of our panels includes some of our Trustees as well as some independent members.

How do I apply to this programme?

You can apply if your group:

• operates in the Mendip Hills National Character Area
• meets our standards.

The next step is to fill in our online application form.

Apply Now

Get help with this funding programme

This funding programme is managed by Kirsty, our Senior Programmes Manager. Kirsty can help if you:

  • aren’t sure if you meet our standards
  • aren’t sure if this is the best fund to apply for
  • can’t use our online form, need extra support with your application or if English isn’t your first language
  • can’t attach the documents we’ve asked for.
Kirsty Campbell (She/Her)
Senior Programmes Manager
Working days: Mon - Fri, 8am - 1pm

Grant details

Grant size:Up to £2,000
Typical grant:£1,000
Apply by:Monday 2 December, 2024
Decision in:Late January, 2025

Who is it for?Organisations that operate in the Mendip Hills National Character Area (NCA 141) that meet our minimum standards. We can also consider projects in adjacent areas where benefit to the Mendip Hills and its communities can be demonstrated.

What is it for?To support projects that benefit communities and the environment of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB).

Apply Now

Eligibility quiz

Check if you’re eligible to apply for our grants & funding.

Take our quiz

FAQs

You can find our minimum standards and everything else you need to know about applying on our FAQs page.

Browse our FAQs