Action Earth

KEY FACTS

- Easy to access environmental grant scheme for Scotland
- Supporting communities to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss
- Action Earth grant funding is provided by NatureScot

We are currently living in a global climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. In Scotland, we need to change how we view and use the world around us. A nature-rich future is our best response.

In 2022 Volunteering Matters Action Earth will be offering grants to help local communities to respond to our nature and climate crises. Funded by NatureScot, these nature grants support volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in practical outdoor activities.

Any group of volunteers are able to apply for Volunteering Matters Action Earth nature grants of between £50 and £250 to run environmental activities in Scotland’s green spaces. Activities should emphasize local nature enrichment and biodiversity improvements. This could include creating or improving community gardens, shared spaces, wildflower meadows, ponds, woodlands and other wildlife habitats. We cannot support applications for activities which are primarily about food growing.

We prioritise applications from volunteer groups that do any of the following:

- Work in areas where there is substantial social or economic deprivation
- Improve and develop the health and wellbeing of their local community
- Involve disabled people, vulnerable people or those at risk of exclusion
- Encourage and involve people under 26 in practical outdoor conservation
- We welcome applications that make major environmental impacts and/or involve mass participation.

WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES QUALIFY FOR A GRANT?

- The project must involve practical outdoor activity by volunteers in Scotland. They should make environmental improvements to local green spaces – planting projects, wildlife habitat creation etc.
- A minimum of 15 volunteers must be involved in the project, each giving at least 5 hours of volunteering time
- Sites to be worked on must be accessible to the general public
- Plants, tools, materials and volunteer expenses can be claimed. You MUST use non-peat compost if this is one of your purchases and our strong recommendation is to plant native species only.

We are unable to fund:

- Activities which are primarily about food growing.
- Compost that is not ‘peat-free’, fuel costs, staff time or sessional workers wages, accommodation, cameras or large pieces of equipment (lawnmowers, power tools etc.)
- Any project taking place on school grounds.

ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

Projects pay costs upfront and then claim back from us by sending in receipts, feedback forms and a grant claim form within 4 weeks of your project end date. We will then repay the money into your group’s bank account.

We’re here to help and can offer help and advice throughout the application process. We can also assist successful applicants with social media posts, local press releases and advice on how to promote and develop your project.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M SUCCESSFUL?

Successful applicants will be sent an email with a letter showing the unique reference number which you can use throughout the process. We will send you all the information you need including promotional material and certficates.

PLEASE NOTE

We have a limited number of grants. Existing grant holders must let us know immediately if your project has been changed, delayed or cancelled as we can discuss alternatives with you or reallocate your unused funds to other projects.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT ROBERT HENDERSON VIA EMAIL.

2022 applications closed, please check back for opening date of 2023 applications.