Sustainable Development Fund
The Sustainable Development Fund
In July 2002 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) set up a Sustainable Development Fund for the national parks in England. Over the years the SDF programme in the Broads has supported a wide range of innovative projects with a particular focus on young people and attracted a high proportion of matched and geared funding that makes it very effective. To date some 195 projects have been supported in the Broads with grants totalling £1.65 million which have attracted £5,52 million in match funding. To view the lists and descriptions of SDF projects supported.
This year (2011/2012) £135,000 is available for distribution to local communities, businesses and other groups.
The application form is very simple and there are downloadable guidance notes available that list the criteria and explain the processes involved. Guidance Notes (word document) [168kb]. 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.
Applications for SDF funding may be made using the downloadable form below but we do ask that you contact John Ash, the Fund Administrator on 01508 550116 or by email at sdf@broads-authority.gov.uk 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.
The next Panel meeting will be on 19th April 2012 with a submission deadline for the next round of grants on 30th March 2012.
Applications should be submitted electronically with a signature on the application and declaration. Application Form (word document) [410kb]
The Broads Authority is particularly keen to encourage projects that promote sustainable tourism, 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 one member of the Broads Authority, together with individuals drawn from a variety of sectors and interests including young people. The full SDF Panel meets four times a year to consider grants.
Sustainable Development Fund Annual Report 2008/2009 (pdf document) [1238kb]
Sustainable Development Fund Annual Report 2009/2010 (pdf document) [2812kb]
Sustainable Development Fund Annual Report 2010/2011 (pdf document) [3031kb]
