What are the criteria for a successful application?
The aim of the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund is to aid the achievement of National Park purposes by encouraging individuals, community groups and businesses to develop practical, local projects that develop and test new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living, which enhances and conserves local culture, wildlife, landscape, land use and community.
The Sustainable Development Fund reflects Defra’s objectives of sustainable development, partnership and social inclusion.
The key question is whether a proposed project will change the attitude and behaviour of individuals and communities in ways that enhance understanding of sustainable development and the role of the National Park Authority, while promoting co-operation and social inclusion.
Priority will be given to eligible projects that:
- involve young people and combat social exclusion;
- encourage links between urban groups and those resident in the National Park;
- demonstrate innovation or best practice;
- lever in contributions from other sources;
- add value or new dimensions to existing sustainability projects; and/or
- have little access to alternative public funding; and/or
- bring organisations together to co-operate in tackling problems or promoting new ideas.
The following checklist is for you, the applicant, to evaluate how your project meets this aim. You don’t need to answer yes to everything! Just tick the boxes that you think your project satisfies and return the checklist with your application form.
Environmental Criteria - does the project:
- conserve and enhance the built and/or natural environment
- protect or increase bio-diversity
- promote or implement ‘reduce; re-use; recycle’ principles
- promote the use and/or generation of renewable energy
- reduce the need for car, van and lorry journeys
- minimise pollution of the land, air and water
Social Criteria - does the project:
- encourage community engagement, ownership or empowerment
- conserve and support Dartmoor’s cultural heritage
- encourage links between urban groups and those resident in the park
- combat social exclusion, particularly of young people
- promote local community action
- encourage those involved to engage in a more sustainable lifestyle
Economic Criteria - does the project:
- satisfy local economic needs
- provide long-term economic benefit to the community
- make a contribution to local training and/or employment prospects
- make use of local suppliers of products, services and materials
- demonstrate responsible business practices promote community support for the local economy
Criteria for Success - does the project:
- promote, enhance or generate greater awareness and understanding of sustainability principles
- promote understanding and enjoyment of the National Park’s special qualities
- have a clearly defined set of realistic aims and measurable outcomes
- have a sound management structure to achieve its aims and monitor its outcomes
- demonstrate innovation, creativity or best practice
- bring organisations together in partnership to tackle an identified need
- explore opportunities to access funds and/or support in kind from other sources
Download printed version of DSDF checklist 
(PDF Help 34 kb)
