Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Facility launches 2023 Community Fund

The Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Facility has announced that applications for its 2023 Community Fund are now open. The Fund is made available annually and provides financial grants to support projects that have environmental, social and/or community benefits to local community groups and parish organisations from Hunts Grove, Hardwicke, Quedgeley, Brookthorpe-with-Whaddon, Haresfield, Harescombe, Standish, Moreton Valence and Whitminster.   

Since its inception in 2019, the Fund has awarded grants to support over 35 projects worth an estimated £110,000 across the local area. In 2022, eight community groups and parish organisations received funding, providing defibrillators for Hunts Grove Parish Council, new cladding for Haresfield Village Hall and heating units for Harescombe Social Club. The image below shows a ramp installed at Quedgeley Village Hall to improve accessibility following their successful application in 2021. 

Urbaser, the operator of the Facility, provides £25,000 every year and undertakes small administrative duties for the application process; however, it is not involved in setting the criteria for applications or the evaluations and decision-making of entries. The Fund is managed and run by representatives from the Community Liaison Group, composed of local Parish Councils, District and County Council members and residents.  

Dan Pearson, General Manager of the Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Facility, said: 

“In such difficult times, the Community Fund has allowed us to provide financial support to projects across the local area. It’s been heartening to see the difference that it has continued to make since 2019 and we can’t wait to see this year’s crop of applications. If you, or anyone you know, are aware of any projects that could benefit from the Community Fund, please do get in touch.” 

Applications for the Community Fund will close at the beginning of August 2023. For more information and to apply for the Fund, download the Application Form here. 

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