£20k grants available to fund local environment projects

Workshops will be held later this month to advise organisers of local environment projects on how to get a grant of up to £20,000.

The Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) advice surgery will be held all day on Monday June 26, at Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland (VOCAS) office, at 8 Frederick Street, Sunderland.

The event is open for those with project ideas to improve their local environment; or who want to carryout action that will change behaviours; or who want to share learning about the environment.

LEAF provides grants of up to £20,000 to support environmental projects that have an immediate impact on the environment.

The surgery is for people interested in discussing a potential project with an expert on the fund, with an officer from the Community Foundation, who is responsible for the LEAF programme.

An expert advisor will be available to sit down with groups to discuss projects and advise on application processes.

There are nine 30-minute appointment slots available from 9.30am through to 2.30pm. To book a place contact Philip Bithell on 565 1566 or email pbithell@vcas.org. uk or register at vcas.org.uk/ node/864/register

LEAF tackles environmental issues through practical action to support behaviour change in the local community. In October 2014, £45,394 was awarded to six projects.

For more information on the LEAF programme, visit the Community Foundation website at www. communityfoundation.org. uk/9514-the-local-environmental-action-fund-leaf