Small Grants

The Small Grants Scheme is currently closed due to the high demand for funding throughout 2008. The scheme is anticipated to re-open for applications again towards the end of January 2009. The re-opening date will be posted on the website.

Biffaward has funded a high number of excellent projects this year under the Small Grants Scheme, and we look forward to welcoming future projects next year.

What is it?

Often groups only need a small amount of money to make a difference to a local facility, be it a community building, nature reserve, cultural facility or outdoor space.  The Small Grants Scheme offers quicker access to lower levels of funding to make these projects happen.

Over the past three years Biffaward has supported nearly 300 projects under the Small Grants Scheme. A continuous high number of applications are recieved, resulting in strong competition when awarding funding.

How much can I apply for?

You can apply for between £250 and £5,000. Your project must not cost more than £10,000 in total.

Am I eligible?

The main criteria are:

•   The project's site is within 10 miles of a Biffa operation (the proximity checker on the left will tell you this)
•   The project's site is also within 10 miles of a landfill site (owned by any company)
•   The project is eligible to be registered with ENTRUST under category D.  Please note that your organisation does not have to enrol with ENTRUST as an Environmental Body - we (RSWT) act as the Environmental Body for Small Grants projects.  We will register the project for you with ENTRUST, but it does, of course, need to be eligible! 
•   There will be a minimum of 104 days of full public access to the project per year
•   Any Biffaward grant will be used for site-based improvement work, not for equipment or running costs
•   Biffaward is unable to fund retrospectively, so you should only apply for money for work that will take place in the future.  

How do I apply?

If you have answered 'yes' to all of the points listed above, please download an application form to complete and return to Biffaward. This scheme operates a rolling application process, allowing you to apply at anytime.

We strongly advise that you read the guidance notes before completing your application to ensure your project is eligible and that you answer each question appropriately.

The application form with guidance notes can be downloaded here   SGS Application Form with notes 2007_v3.doc (271.5 KB)

There are some specific things which we are unable to fund:

• Core costs, i.e. management charges, salaries or running costs
• Improvements to car parks, offices or services
• Alterations to help an existing building meet Disability Discrimination Act requirements
• 'Personal' kit or equipment, e.g. sports shirts, cricket gloves
• Computers, bicycles, boats, vehicles, groundsheets, mowers, scarifiers, scoreboards/boxes, mobile phones...  This is because we can only fund site-based projects, and portable items could in theory be moved away from the site.  Note: some portable sports and maintenance equipment that will be kept on one site will be judged on a case-by-case basis.  You will need to demonstrate that the equipment will directly improve the site.
• Fencing
• Projects in school buildings or grounds, or on allotments
• Events, CDs and websites
• 'Purely' fabric repairs, e.g. to bell towers, church spires, etc. 
• Enhancement of town or village centres, e.g. signage, seating, dog waste bins and seasonal bulbs
• Storage Containers

This list is not exhaustive and may change from time to time.  We try to keep exclusions to a minimum.  If you have any doubt, please contact us on 01636 670000 or email biffaward@rswt.org

Case Studies

To view Small Grant Scheme project case sudies please Click Here.