Sustainable Development Fund
In July 2002 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) set up a new £1 million Sustainable Development Fund for the national parks in England. The fund has since been increased by Defra to £1.8 million per year and the Broads Authority has £180,000 available for distribution to local communities, businesses and other groups each year. To date some 164 projects have been supported in the Broads with grants totalling £1.38 million. Find out about how to apply for the Sustainable Development Fund and view our lists and descriptions of SDF projects supported
The application form is very simple and there are downloadable guidance notes available that list the criteria and explain the processes involved.
The SDF leaflet, Bright Ideas Wanted (pdf document) [180kb] will also tell you more, and includes some experiences from people who have successfully applied for funding.
Guidance Notes (word document) [165kb]
Application form 
Applications for SDF funding may be made using the downloadable form below but we do ask that you contact the John Ash, Fund Administrator on 01508 550116 before doing so. He will be able to advise you on the eligibility of your project and let you know when to apply. He may also be able to suggest alternative or additional sources of funding and save you time - or perhaps disappointment.
Applications for the next round of grants must be submitted by the deadline of 26th March 2010. The meeting will then be on 21st April 2010.
Applications may be submitted electronically but must be followed by a signed hard copy of the Application Form (printed double-sided) and a signed copy of the Declaration (included in the Application Form) with our Standard Terms and Conditions printed on the back of it.
Application Form (word document) [408kb]
Hard copies of all these forms are also available from John Ash, the Fund Administrator on 01508 550116
The Broads Authority is particularly keen to encourage projects that promote sustainable tourism, renewable energy, the sustainable management of fens and broads, education for sustainability and social inclusion. The Authority also wishes to encourage individuals (particularly young people) and organisations to come up with new ideas for achieving social, economic or environmental sustainability in the Broads.
Applications are considered by a Sustainable Development Fund Panel whose members represent a wide range of interests. The panel consists of representatives from the Broads Authority, the Broads Forum, the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), the Broads boating industry and the voluntary sector, and includes two young people. The full SDF Panel meets four times a year to consider large grant applications and a Small Grants Panel is convened as and when necessary.
Sustainable Development Fund Annual Report 2008/2009 (pdf document) [1238kb]
John Ash, SDF Fund Administrator with the Eco Solar Shower
