Local Funding

Chalk and Cheese is a funding initiative supporting sustainable development in Dorset's rural heartland. Managed by local people for local people, the programme has a budget of £1.9 million for projects that deliver community-led and innovative responses to rural issues.

Projects must help Chalk and Cheese to achieve one or more of its main objectives, which are:

• Increasing employment levels;

• Increasing the number, diversity and sustainability of small businesses and visitor enterprises;

• Increasing economic activity based on locally derived materials;

• Diversifying farm activity into non-agricultural areas, particularly sustainable tourism;

• Increasing the range of people involved in community action and local issues;

• Increasing the range and level of environmental skills and knowledge amongst local people and visitors alike.

Local community groups

The majority of funding available is for revenue costs; the costs for administering a project, like staffing, heating, paying the phone bill, rental of premises and publicity.