2021 Community Fund applications now open

Applications for the 2021 Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Community Fund are now open. The annual Community Fund provides financial grants to support projects that have environmental, social and/ or community benefits to the constituted community groups and parish organisations from Hardwicke, Quedgeley, Brookthorpe-with-Whaddon, Haresfield, Harescombe, Standish, Moreton Valence and Whitminster.    

Since its inception in 2019, the Community Fund has awarded numerous projects across neighbouring parishes. Whitminster Parish Council has received funding to install new gym equipment on Whitminster Playing Field which is used by players to perform warm-up procedures before matches. Elsewhere, the grant helped Haresfield Parish Council install three village gateway signs in the summer of 2019 following concerns about an increase in traffic as well as vehicles speeding when approaching the village.   

Urbaser, the operator of the Facility, provides the capital for the Fund and undertakes small administrative duties for the application process. However, the Company is not involved in setting the criteria for applications or the evaluation and decision-making of entries. The Fund is managed and run by the community representatives from the Community Liaison Group, which is composed of members of local Parish Councils, District and County Council members and local residents.   

A spokesperson from the Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Community Fund committee commented:   

“The Community Fund exists to offer help to groups in neighbouring areas to the Facility who wish to deliver a range of benefits for local residents and the environment. In these difficult, post-pandemic times, the Fund can help rejuvenate areas and facilities within our nearby communities. If you know of any organisations or groups that would benefit from the grant, please do apply.”    

Due to COVID-19, the closing date has been extended from June to the end of August 2021, with the decision-making process concluding in October. Download the 2021 Community Fund application form here.   

For all enquiries, please email communityfund@ubbgloucestershire.co.uk.