Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund Project
The Sustainable Development Fund reflects Defra’s objectives of sustainable development, partnership and social inclusion. It is to aid the achievement of National Park purposes by encouraging individuals, community groups and businesses to co-operate together to develop practical sustainable and local projects.
The aim of this project is to develop and test new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in countryside of great natural beauty and diversity which enhance and conserve local culture, wildlife, landscape, land use and community. The project beneficiaries are community groups,individuals, businesses, - so long as there is a community benefit.
A simple application form is assessed by a seven member grant advisory panel on a 2 monthly cycle. Grants are normally limited to 50% (i.e. match is required) but can go to 100% in exceptional circumstances for community groups with very high volunteer activity.
The Fund is not intended to bolster the National Park Authority's own budget, it must not breach “State Aid” rules, and it is not for private gain.
Projects must achieve their goals within the scope of the grant, or have an exit strategy that ensures they are self sustaining, and they must support all three components of the sustainability equation (social, economic environmental).
Each project is monitored until completion by the Sustainable Development Fund Officer. The Countryside Agency on behalf of Defra audits these project reports and provides an annual report to Defra.
The project is run in partnership with Defra, and the Grant Advisory Panel.
Read more about the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund Project.
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