Greggs Foundation aims to make a difference to people in need at the heart of their local communities. It has a number of programmes that aim to address the needs of disadvantaged local communities. We are delighted to announce a new grants programme that aims to improve people’s lives by improving their environments.
Under the large environmental grants programme, projects should aim to make a demonstrable difference to a local area with clear consideration given to the environmental and social impact of the project. The programme is administered by seven charity committees throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Any not for profit organisation can apply. Small, locally based community led organisations with a turnover not in excess of £300,000 are most likely to be successful. Schools are also encouraged to apply and will receive the same level of preference as small organisations.
The main grants programme is aimed at organisations with an idea to improve a local area so that it can improve people’s lives. The programme aims to deliver demonstrable improvements to the environment. There would also be an educational aspect to the grants to help people learn about their impact on the world around them. Examples of the type of grant can include
- A school would like to create an orchard to provide fresh fruit for its pupils. Children are encouraged to get involved in growing and understand the contribution of plants and trees to a healthy environment
- A community centre wants to install a ground source heat pump to increase usage of the facility which is based in a disadvantaged area. A board will be inserted in the community centre to help people understand the environmental impact of the unit and simple things they can do at home to reduce waste.
- A community group would like to transform a patch of land into a community allotment. They will use the produce to create a healthy soup kitchen and food co-operative, with homeless people involved in growing, cooking and distribution. People will gain an understanding of local production and the impact of food miles.
- A rural community would like to work with various local schools to clean up patches of river to make it more ecological for wildlife and better enjoyed by the community. The children will gain an understanding of river systems and understand the impact of litter.
All projects must benefit the environment. Preference will be given to projects that support disadvantaged people. Disadvantage could include (but is not limited to):
- People with disabilities or chronic illness
- People living in a disadvantaged area
- People living in an area with poor access to the environment
- Voluntary carers
- Homeless people
- Isolated older people
- Other idenitifed need
Key Performance Targets:
Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate improvements against at least one of our Key Performance Targets:
- The environment has improved as a result of a grant. These can be hard targets, ie, kg of carbon dioxide saved or softer targets that demonstrate environmental impact such as number of trees planted, amount of rubbish cleared etc
- The lives of disadvantaged people have improved as a result of the grant. This can be expressed in outcomes, ie improved confidence, improved social skills, improved employability etc. Some thought should be given to monitoring of outcomes before applying for a grant.
- People are educated to be more aware of their impact on the environment.
We are more likely to make grants to local organisations based near Greggs shops. Please use the shop locator on the Greggs website to find your nearest shop.
Grants of £2,500 to £10,000 can be awarded. Grants can be used as match funding up to a maximum project cost of £30,000. The deadline is the 24th March 2016.
