Strand 2 including Land Purchase and New Projects Levering Significant Match Funding
This strand of the Environment Fund allows for (when sufficient budget may be available), funding applications to be considered at any time for high priority projects which could not have foreseeably applied to the Strategic Fund in 2023.
Applications for these grants can be submitted by eligible organisations after advice is sought from the Environment Fund Grant Team. The key areas where this funding may be considered include:
- Projects which would lever significant match funding
- Projects which meet the priorities which require a small element of match funding to lever funds from other bodies such as Heritage Lottery Fund.
- Land purchase
- Grants for land purchase under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order may be considered for projects that will deliver significant conservation or access benefits. The applicant must show that:
- The resource or feature cannot be effectively protected, enhanced or created by other more cost-effective means.
- Their constitution enables them to buy and manage land, and provide public access where applicable and the proposal is within the applicant organisation’s strategic land policy priorities for land purchase and management;
- They have the ability (resources and experience) to manage the site long term for conservation or access purposes.
If you propose applying for an Environment Fund Strand 2 grant you MUST contact the Environment Fund Grant Team to discuss any possible application. If it is agreed that an application for Strand 2 funding might be appropriate, the current electronic Application Form and Guidance Notes will be emailed to you for completion.