Grant Directories

The Somerset Community Foundation was established in 2002. The Foundation's aim is to provide funding that will address the needs of Somerset's most vulnerable people and communities by tackling disadvantage, transforming people's lives and strengthening local communities. Through the Mendip Hills Fund the foundation provides grants of up to £2,000 to support projects that benefit communities and the environment of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and the area defined by the Mendip Hills National Character Area (NCA 141).

The Ernest Cook Trust is an educational charity who aim to help the nation better understand the environment. The Outdoor Learning Officer Grant programme will provide funding of up to £15,000 per year (estimated as 50% of a full time salary) to charities and non-profit organisations that want to employ learning officers/outdoor educators who can: encourage others to create deep lasting connections with the natural environment; Engage people to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature; Educate communities; Enable society to understand the damaging effects of activities that harm the environment; Extend participation to hard to reach groups; Embed an understanding of environmental issues and promote sustainable behaviour.

Naturesave Limited is an ethical insurance company providing funding to support environmental and conservationist projects. Financial assistance is available in the form of start up finance to new organisations which seeks to promote greater awareness of sustainable development or for existing companies and charities which are seeking funding for a specific project. The Trust has funded hundreds of projects since it's inception, ranging from installation of a wind turbines to the conservation of water voles in Dorset. The Trust prefers to provide start-up capital to small projects to get them going, rather than to contribute to the general administration costs of a larger charity or company.

The People's Trust for Endangered Species UK Mammals grant provides funding for voluntary conservation organisations, scientific researchers, individuals and consortia for work that relates to the conservation of mammals in the British Isles and Eire. Individual awards of £10,000 to £20,000 can be provided for a range of work including scientific research, practical habitat management, reintroduction and monitoring programmes and educational projects. Key research themes are: Monitoring mammals - better methods for estimating distribution and abundance; Habitats for mammals - assessing habitat suitability and connectivity, improving and restoring habitats; Human impacts and mitigation - climate change, roads and other infrastructure, toxic chemicals and pollution, habitat fragmentation, modification and loss.

The Waterloo Foundation is an independent grant making charity that supports initiatives aimed at reducing man-made climate change and increasing the health of the marine environment, both in the UK and worldwide. Their objective is to help mitigate the damaging effects that humans are causing and contribute to a positive change both now and in the future. Under the Environment Fund, The Waterloo Foundation has two main themes: Forests and Marine. In addition to the forest and marine programmes The Waterloo Foundation may occasionally support water and energy projects.