Flagship Projects
The Board has recently made a decision that should change the nature of our support for projects over the next few years. By building up the Trust’s reserves, the Board is now in a position to grant substantial funds to individual ‘flagship’ projects. The Board will consider allocating between £100,000 and £250,000 to outstanding projects that make a significant difference to Gloucestershire’s communities and environment. To qualify, projects normally will be expected to meet several, perhaps most, of the criteria by which the Board assesses applications.
These criteria have been modified slightly and now comprise the following:
- Supporting the development of active communities
- Reducing social and economic disadvantage in local communities
- Reducing carbon emissions
- Protecting and enhancing biodiversity
- Protecting built and natural heritage
- Encouraging good quality design.
Additionally, the Trust wishes to support innovation and the spreading of good practice. Rather than waiting for completed applications to be submitted, the Board welcomes advance discussion with potential applicants to help shape suitable applications.
However, the Board will also maintain its present level of funding of up to £30,000 for smaller projects, recognising that smaller grants can be crucial to fulfilling the aspirations of local community groups and other organisations.