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April 22^nd marks Earth Day, an event to highlight the importance of environmental protection. The theme for 2024 is ‘Planet vs Plastics’ to raise awareness of the health risk that plastics, especially single use plastic and consider the impact of fast fashion.

What are the health risks of plastic pollution?

Plastic is not biodegradable and stays in the environment for a long time. When plastics do break down, they form small fragments known as microplastics. These small fragments are found almost everywhere in our environment, and the health impacts are not yet fully understood.

Plastics can also cause harm to wildlife as many animals mistake plastic for food or become trapped or injured by plastic waste.

How does plastic pollution impact Surrey?

Research suggests that during 2023, approximately 8,000 tonnes of recyclable waste was found in rubbish bins across Surrey. It’s important to ensure recycling is placed in the correct bin as to ensure we can recycle as much as possible.

Monday marks Global Recycling Day, an event highlighting the importance of recycling and the consequences for the planet if we don’t recycle. The theme for this year is #RecyclingHeroes. This theme recognizes the people, places and activities that showcase how recycling contributes to an environmentally stable planet.

The mission of Global Recycling Day

There are two main goals set out by the Global Recycling Foundation. The first is to tell world leaders that recycling is a global issue and one that has potential to cause global impacts.

The second is to engage people around the globe to think about the resources they use and to consider how they can be preserved and used more than once instead of turning them to waste.  

Ways you can get involved in this day

If you are someone who cares about recycling and might not know about how to help and get involved, there are a number of ways that you can do this.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

We have a number of Q+A sessions planned over the coming months.

World wetlands day is an environmental day that is about reaffirming protection and love for wetlands. Wetlands are water ecosystems that contain plant life and other organisms that bring ecological health to the environment.

Theme for this year

The theme for World Wetlands Day is wetlands and human wellbeing. This is because wetlands have been found to reduce negative thoughts, reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health.

Wetlands in Surrey

Surrey isn’t well known for having wetlands habitats, but Surrey does get some wetlands bird species that arrive in the spring. These bird species include Grebes, Bitterns, Shovelers and Egrets. Every spring there will be many wetlands birds that migrate to Britain whilst the native birds begin to breed.

Why wetlands are important

Wetlands are important because they protect us from extreme weather events such as floods and droughts and can help us recover from these disasters. They also help with people’s livelihoods around the world in providing food and water and hold most of our available fresh water by filtering pollutants with improves its quality.

Ways that you can get involved with World Wetlands Day

Below are a few things that you can do get involved in this day and make a positive impact:

• Visit a wetland – By visiting a wetland, you will be able to learn about how important it is to the ecosystem.

As the price of energy continues to fluctuate, we all face concerns about energy bills this winter. We’d like to provide as much support as possible to reduce energy consumption and help to save money.

Energy saving activities to try

Generating renewable energy – It’s possible to generate own heat or electricity from renewable sources. Doing this will save households money and will reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

Heating your home – Having an efficient heating system in your home will help reduce your fuel bills as most households spend half their fuel bills on heating and hot water.

Reducing home heat loss – Install insulation to reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills.

Turn heating down by one degree which will also help with your energy bill by saving approximately 10%

Increasing your layers are a first port of call rather than reaching for the thermostat.

Programme heating to go on and off at varying points throughout the day, rather than keeping it on consistently.

SCVO’s fortnightly funding digest provides you with free access to a selection of the latest funding news and opportunities.

Round three of awards from the Mental Health Scale Up Fund is now open for Expressions of Interest.

The fund offers up to £50,000 per year for up to five years. The funding priority for this round is perinatal and pre-school support.

Please visit our web page for more info on funding criteria and to access the Mental Health Scale Up (MHSU) EOI form.

The Strategic Transformation Programme focuses on supporting local voluntary and community organisations to become more financially resilient.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

We have a number of Q+A sessions planned over the coming months.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

October2023 Q&A sessions:

Cycle to School Week is a week-long event between the 25th and 29th September that encourages children to cycle to school by themselves, with their friends or their families. The event is organised by the Bikeability Trust and supported by Sustrans.

Taking part is easy and will be beneficial for the whole family and the environment. The first step is getting hold of a bike which can be expensive if you already don’t own one. You can often pick up second-hand bikes on online selling sites, at your local charity shop or at a car boot sale at a bargain price.

If you already own one, then you’re almost ready to hit the pedals. Road safety is really important so if you haven’t ridden in a while and would like to improve confidence there are a variety of training courses available, including beginners courses.

We often grab the car keys and jump in the car to nip here, or pop there for whatever the reason, but could you take a few journeys on foot or by bike? Take school for example, it’s a new term and a good chance to re-think your normal school run journey. Or if you’re going to the shops or heading to a friend’s house, do you need to take the car?

There are many great reasons to change your journey for both your health and the environment. Whatever your age there is strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life. It can be tricky to find the time to exercise every day, but by incorporating it into the journey you’re already taking, could be the answer you’re looking for.

Reducing journeys made by car can also save you money. Services, MOTs, wear and tear, parking and fuel add up over the year, but walking is free, and cycling doesn’t have to be costly either, so it could be a worthwhile investment.

Walking is also much more conversational and is a great bonding opportunity to talk to the kids about their day at school or unwind after a busy day.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

September 2023 Q&A sessions:

New Cost of Living Fund launched

The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund has been launched today (24 July 2023).

The fund will support organisations across England to deliver critical frontline services. Organisations will be able to apply for funding to maintain or expand critical cost of living services from now until the end of March 2024.

Applications will be for amounts between £10,000 and £75,000. The funding is ONLY open to frontline organisations running critical services in communities, in at least one of the follow areas:

• food and emergency supplies - food and other 'banks'

• emergency shelter - homelessness services

• safe spaces - domestic abuse services and youth services

• warmth - warm spaces / hubs

• financial and housing advice.

Applicants MUST be able to demonstrate both increased costs and increased demand.

This month is Plastic Free July, to mark the occasion we have put together 10 top tips focused on small steps you can take to reduce plastic waste. Every year, Plastic Free July gives us an opportunity to think about the plastic waste we generate and reflect on how we can make a change.

The impacts of plastic pollution

Plastic does not break down naturally in the environment, causing pollution that can lead to variety of impacts on humans and wildlife.

In Surrey we are lucky as we are the most wooded county in England. We have a variety of different habitats, including heathlands and chalk grasslands of international importance. These habitats provide the ideal conditions for many different plant and animal species; however, plastic pollution can cause harm to Surrey’s wildlife.

Wild animals can become trapped or injured by plastic litter, also if they mistake plastic items for food this can cause injury, or ultimately death.

As plastic is not biodegradable, when it eventually starts to break down it becomes tiny fragments, known as microplastics. These fragments make their way into our waterways and are so small that they can be ingested by both humans and animals without our knowledge.

The best way to reduce these impacts is to avoid using plastic products where possible, but if this can’t be avoided – ensure your plastic waste is managed in the correct way.

Ten tips to reduce plastic waste:

1. Make sure you recycle your plastic waste correctly – Recycling is extremely important, but it must be done correctly to maximise the impact. Find out what types of waste you can recycle at home and in your local area on the Recycle Now website. Recycling Locator | Recycle Now

2. Avoid products that contain plastic and consider reusable alternatives – reusable alternatives have less of an impact compared to single-use plastic and can often be cheaper in the long run.

3. Use a reusable water bottle or coffee cup – Investing in a reusable drink container is a great way to cut your plastic use and to save money as well.

4. Use reusable food containers – Use reusable containers like Tupperware to store your food, instead of food sold in single-use plastic.

5. Carry reusable shopping bags - Try using a foldaway bag that you can carry in your normal day bag and use when shopping.

6. Buy from local markets and low-waste shops - Consider buying food from local markets and low-waste shops as they will often allow you to bring your own container to reduce packaging waste.

7. Make your own plastic-free snacks – Try and avoid pre-packaged snacks as the plastic packaging can soon add up.

8. Shop in bulk quantities - Buying larger quantities of your shopping can help reduce plastic waste. But make sure to buy only what you need to avoid unnecessary waste from buying too much.

9. Reuse cleaning products in reusable bottles – Try out the concentrated refill tablets instead of buying a new bottle each time you run out. You could also try and make some DIY cleaning products out of household items, like vinegar and baking soda.

10. Make your laundry routine zero waste – Choose a laundry detergent that can be refilled with a reusable container to cut down on the number of plastic laundry detergent bottles entering the environment each year.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

July 2023 Q&A sessions:

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

May 2023 Q&A sessions:

• The government is providing £150 million over 4years to support community groups in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets and amenities which are at risk of being lost.

• An asset might be lost due to closure, property sales, negligence, damage, collapse, or lack of operational sustainability.

• The fund helps voluntary groups and community groups to buy or renovate assets that would otherwise be lost to the community. Community Ownership gives local people control over the buildings and spaces that have significance to them and that these spaces are used in way that meet the priorities and needs of the local community.

• Assets can include – community centres, cinemas, theatres, galleries, museums, music venues, green spaces, post office building, pubs, shops, sporting, and leisure facilities.

• The asset must offer value to the people and have long-term sustainability.

The government is providing £150 million over 4years to support community groups in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets and amenities which are at risk of being lost.

• An asset might be lost due to closure, property sales, negligence, damage, collapse, or lack of operational sustainability.

• The fund helps voluntary groups and community groups to buy or renovate assets that would otherwise be lost to the community. Community Ownership gives local people control over the buildings and spaces that have significance to them and that these spaces are used in way that meet the priorities and needs of the local community.

• Assets can include – community centres, cinemas, theatres, galleries, museums, music venues, green spaces, post office building, pubs, shops, sporting, and leisure facilities.

• The asset must offer value to the people and have long-term sustainability.

Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) which is a Surrey wide resource to support prevention, removing barriers, and supporting people to become proactive in improving their mental and emotional health and wellbeing. The fund is being used for new, and/or existing, non-statutory services which can help support local neighbourhood and place-based plans for our populations.

The opening of Round 2 of the MHIF is imminent. Applicants will have 40 days to complete their applications once the fund is open.

Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) which is a Surrey wide resource to support prevention, removing barriers, and supporting people to become proactive in improving their mental and emotional health and wellbeing. The fund is being used for new, and/or existing, non-statutory services which can help support local neighbourhood and place-based plans for our populations.

The opening of Round 2 of the MHIF is imminent. Applicants will have 40 days to complete their applications once the fund is open.

The McCarthy Stone Foundation’s annual Dementia Action Week Grant programme is now open for applications. Dementia Action week takes place from 15-23 May 2023, raising awareness and understanding of dementia and encouraging people to “Act on Dementia”.

The McCarthy Stone Foundation will be awarding 30 grants of up to £1000 to small dementia clubs and memory cafes across the country providing an invaluable service to people in the community. Applications close on Friday 26th May and recipients will be notified shortly afterwards.

The McCarthy Stone Foundation’s annual Dementia Action Week Grant programme is now open for applications. Dementia Action week takes place from 15-23 May 2023, raising awareness and understanding of dementia and encouraging people to “Act on Dementia”.

The McCarthy Stone Foundation will be awarding 30 grants of up to £1000 to small dementia clubs and memory cafes across the country providing an invaluable service to people in the community. Applications close on Friday 26th May and recipients will be notified shortly afterwards.

Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Increase Employment Opportunities for Disadvantaged Adults

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to registered charities to support projects that equip people (18 or older in order) from disadvantaged groups with critical life skills necessary for employment.

Priority will be given to projects that target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups facing major hurdles to employment, especially; women, people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers.

The funding is being made available through the Thomas Wall Trust. and to be eligible the applicants must:

The deadline for stage 1 applications is the 18th September 2023. Applicants successful at this stage will be invited to submit a stage 2 application.

Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Increase Employment Opportunities for Disadvantaged Adults

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to registered charities to support projects that equip people (18 or older in order) from disadvantaged groups with critical life skills necessary for employment.

Priority will be given to projects that target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups facing major hurdles to employment, especially; women, people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers.

The funding is being made available through the Thomas Wall Trust. and to be eligible the applicants must:

The deadline for stage 1 applications is the 18th September 2023. Applicants successful at this stage will be invited to submit a stage 2 application.

There is lots of free support and guidance out there to support you in applying for grant funding. Have a look at whats on offer through Sport England. Club Matters workshops on 'A Club For Everyone' and 'Engaging Your Community' could be useful for developing your project to meet the criteria for providing wide community benefit from Your Fund Surrey. 

Sport England - We have a range of free webinars and workshops, designed to help the sector including marketing support, funding opportunities and updated guidance.

Here's the dates in May you need to know 👇

There is lots of free support and guidance out there to support you in applying for grant funding. Have a look at whats on offer through Sport England. Club Matters workshops on 'A Club For Everyone' and 'Engaging Your Community' could be useful for developing your project to meet the criteria for providing wide community benefit from Your Fund Surrey. 

Sport England - We have a range of free webinars and workshops, designed to help the sector including marketing support, funding opportunities and updated guidance.

Here's the dates in May you need to know 👇

Community Sparks Funding Is Now Live - Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead (VARB)

It is our greatest pleasure to announce that VARB has launched small grants funding.

Community Sparks Funding Is Now Live - Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead (VARB)

It is our greatest pleasure to announce that VARB has launched small grants funding.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

May 2023 Q&A sessions:

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

The Fore have are launching an exciting new funding opportunity for small charities and social enterprises across the UK – The Fore’s Summer 2023 National Funding Round. Their registration period opens from 11th - 17th April.

The programme is offering unrestricted grants of up to£30,000 in Summer 2023 to help small charities and social enterprises develop, grow or become more sustainable.

Successful applicants will receive:

Who is eligible to apply?

The Fore have are launching an exciting new funding opportunity for small charities and social enterprises across the UK – The Fore’s Summer 2023 National Funding Round. Their registration period opens from 11th - 17th April.

The programme is offering unrestricted grants of up to£30,000 in Summer 2023 to help small charities and social enterprises develop, grow or become more sustainable.

Successful applicants will receive:

Who is eligible to apply?

To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities.

Starting on Monday 8th May 2023 there will be opportunities for everyone to join in. No matter what you are good at, there’ll be something to suit helping hands of all shapes and sizes! From checking in on someone who’d like a bit of company or volunteering for a charity the more of us who join in, the bigger help we will be.

If you can spare an hour…fantastic. The day?…amazing. If it becomes a regular thing, so much the better. If we all do a bit, it will really help a lot.

Help us to do something amazing. Join in, Lend a hand. Make a change.

To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities.

Starting on Monday 8th May 2023 there will be opportunities for everyone to join in. No matter what you are good at, there’ll be something to suit helping hands of all shapes and sizes! From checking in on someone who’d like a bit of company or volunteering for a charity the more of us who join in, the bigger help we will be.

If you can spare an hour…fantastic. The day?…amazing. If it becomes a regular thing, so much the better. If we all do a bit, it will really help a lot.

Help us to do something amazing. Join in, Lend a hand. Make a change.

We're delighted to announce the launch of our Energy Support Programme 🙌

A new £6m package of support from The Premier League, The Football Association and Department for Culture, Media and Sport to help grassroots football clubs & organisations with rising energy costs.

We're delighted to announce the launch of our Energy Support Programme 🙌

A new £6m package of support from The Premier League, The Football Association and Department for Culture, Media and Sport to help grassroots football clubs & organisations with rising energy costs.

On Friday 3rd March, the Your Fund Surrey team, alongside County Councillor Keith Witham, visited Pirbright Community Amateur Sports Pavilion for a progress update on the construction of the new facility. The project, which has been arranged by the Lord Pirbright's Hall and Recreation Ground Charity, has received £300,000 to go towards this brand-new and purpose built pavilion.

On Friday 3rd March, the Your Fund Surrey team, alongside County Councillor Keith Witham, visited Pirbright Community Amateur Sports Pavilion for a progress update on the construction of the new facility. The project, which has been arranged by the Lord Pirbright's Hall and Recreation Ground Charity, has received £300,000 to go towards this brand-new and purpose built pavilion.

The Communities Together Large Grant Programme has been set up to help groups working in Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Slough, Spelthorne, Richmond, Runnymede, South Bucks, or Windsor & Maidenhead, to run projects focused on bringing communities together – with a particular emphasis on organisations working with adults 25+.

The programme provides grants of up to £15,000 for one year. 

The Communities Together Large Grant Programme has one round in 2023, opening on 28 March and closing at 10:00am on 30 May.

The board will make their decision on 17 July, so any projects in round one must start after this date. 

The Communities Together Large Grant Programme has been set up to help groups working in Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Slough, Spelthorne, Richmond, Runnymede, South Bucks, or Windsor & Maidenhead, to run projects focused on bringing communities together – with a particular emphasis on organisations working with adults 25+.

The programme provides grants of up to £15,000 for one year. 

The Communities Together Large Grant Programme has one round in 2023, opening on 28 March and closing at 10:00am on 30 May.

The board will make their decision on 17 July, so any projects in round one must start after this date. 

Grants of up to £1,600 are available for grassroots community groups and organisations to support a broad range of activities that contribute towards transforming communities and improving lives across the UK.

The funding is available through the Asda Foundation’s Empowering Local Communities Fund Round 1 to support projects and activities which address local issues that are important to a community and which benefit local people.

This includes:

Grants of up to £1,600 are available for grassroots community groups and organisations to support a broad range of activities that contribute towards transforming communities and improving lives across the UK.

The funding is available through the Asda Foundation’s Empowering Local Communities Fund Round 1 to support projects and activities which address local issues that are important to a community and which benefit local people.

This includes:

Magic Little Grants 2023 is launching very soon. After successfully distributing £500 grants to 2,650 charitable organisations in 2022, we’re incredibly excited to announce that 2023 is going to be even bigger and better than ever before... you won't want to miss out! 

Applications will be open from 1st March until 31st October 2023. 

With a simple 20-minute application process and an outcome within six weeks, the Magic Little Grants fund reduces the work required for grass-roots organisations to access the funding they need to launch or strengthen their services. The following criteria apply:

Please note that schools are eligible to apply if they are a registered charity. Groups in Northern Ireland are not eligible to apply for this funding. Groups may only apply once in 2023 for a grant.

Magic Little Grants 2023 is launching very soon. After successfully distributing £500 grants to 2,650 charitable organisations in 2022, we’re incredibly excited to announce that 2023 is going to be even bigger and better than ever before... you won't want to miss out! 

Applications will be open from 1st March until 31st October 2023. 

With a simple 20-minute application process and an outcome within six weeks, the Magic Little Grants fund reduces the work required for grass-roots organisations to access the funding they need to launch or strengthen their services. The following criteria apply:

Please note that schools are eligible to apply if they are a registered charity. Groups in Northern Ireland are not eligible to apply for this funding. Groups may only apply once in 2023 for a grant.

The Curve is a series of free, 90-minute workshops for third sector organisations. These online workshops aim to build knowledge around best digital practices, raise awareness of digital tools and ultimately help increase impact with digital. Workshops are open to anyone working or volunteering with a third sector organisation in the UK.

The Curve is a series of free, 90-minute workshops for third sector organisations. These online workshops aim to build knowledge around best digital practices, raise awareness of digital tools and ultimately help increase impact with digital. Workshops are open to anyone working or volunteering with a third sector organisation in the UK.

Do you want to know how you can use the Surrey County Council (SCC) Social Value Marketplace (SVMP) to keep your project costs down as much as possible? Please follow the links below to find out more.

The SCC SVMP is a tool that can help make connections between organisations and individuals who are waiting to offer all sorts of help. Whether that's meeting spaces, skills and knowledge sharing, equipment or volunteers to help with gardening, painting or decorating.

Please read more about Surrey Voluntary Action's recent request on the marketplace below.

Do you want to know how you can use the Surrey County Council (SCC) Social Value Marketplace (SVMP) to keep your project costs down as much as possible? Please follow the links below to find out more.

The SCC SVMP is a tool that can help make connections between organisations and individuals who are waiting to offer all sorts of help. Whether that's meeting spaces, skills and knowledge sharing, equipment or volunteers to help with gardening, painting or decorating.

Please read more about Surrey Voluntary Action's recent request on the marketplace below.

In July 2022, Manchester welcomed the newest addition to its roster of urban parks. Owned by the National Trust, the Castlefield Viaduct is a Grade II-listed, 19th-century railway bridge that has been redeveloped into a new 330m-long sky park.

The project is part of a wider repurposing of brownfield and former industrial space in Manchester with several other projects promoting the city as a go-to place for innovative urban development in housing and green and open space. Under construction, in particular, is Victoria North, a new neighbourhood of 15,000 new homes across a 155-hectare site in the north of the city. This includes City River Park, a huge new “recreational corridor”, according to the proposals, along the River Irk.

We hope initiatives like this can inspire Surrey residents to think outside the box when considering how they can improve their local area thorugh Your Fund Surrey.

In July 2022, Manchester welcomed the newest addition to its roster of urban parks. Owned by the National Trust, the Castlefield Viaduct is a Grade II-listed, 19th-century railway bridge that has been redeveloped into a new 330m-long sky park.

The project is part of a wider repurposing of brownfield and former industrial space in Manchester with several other projects promoting the city as a go-to place for innovative urban development in housing and green and open space. Under construction, in particular, is Victoria North, a new neighbourhood of 15,000 new homes across a 155-hectare site in the north of the city. This includes City River Park, a huge new “recreational corridor”, according to the proposals, along the River Irk.

We hope initiatives like this can inspire Surrey residents to think outside the box when considering how they can improve their local area through Your Fund Surrey.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Voluntary Action South West Surrey’s Sparks Fund supports communities impacted by COVID-19.

The Sparks Fund will support communities that have been impacted by COVID-19 and its wider impact on health and wellbeing, with grants of up to £2,000 available for small scale community-led initiatives that benefits the local community. The areas to be supported are Guildford – Ash Wharf, Stoke and Westborough, and Waverley– Godalming, Central Ockford and Farnham – Upper Hale.

Priority will be given to applications that:

Toapply complete 2023 Sparks Fund Small Grant Application Form Grants up to £2,000 (office.com), and for more information contact:

Voluntary Action South West Surrey’s Sparks Fund supports communities impacted by COVID-19.

The Sparks Fund will support communities that have been impacted by COVID-19 and its wider impact on health and wellbeing, with grants of up to £2,000 available for small scale community-led initiatives that benefits the local community. The areas to be supported are Guildford – Ash Wharf, Stoke and Westborough, and Waverley– Godalming, Central Ockford and Farnham – Upper Hale.

Priority will be given to applications that:

To apply complete 2023 Sparks Fund Small Grant Application Form Grants up to £2,000 (office.com), and for more information contact:

The second round of the Government's £3 million Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund has opened a two-week window for applications and closes on March 3rd.

The funding aims to support the modernisation and improvement of village halls, so that they are fit for purpose and can provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities:

• Improved health and/or wellbeing and/or reduction in rural loneliness.

• Positive impact on the local environment, contributes towards net zero.

• Support for the local rural economy.

• Promotion of community cohesion.

The £3 million funding pot offers grants of between £7,500 and £75,000 which will be 20% of eligible project costs. The total project cost can be more than £375,000 but the maximum grant available is £75,000. All project work must be completed by 31 March 2025.

Stage One applications will be accepted from 20 February 2023 to 3 March 2023 (23:59).

The second round of the Government's £3 million Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund has opened a two-week window for applications and closes on March 3rd.

The funding aims to support the modernisation and improvement of village halls, so that they are fit for purpose and can provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities:

• Improved health and/or wellbeing and/or reduction in rural loneliness.

• Positive impact on the local environment, contributes towards net zero.

• Support for the local rural economy.

• Promotion of community cohesion.

The £3 million funding pot offers grants of between £7,500 and £75,000 which will be 20% of eligible project costs. The total project cost can be more than £375,000 but the maximum grant available is £75,000. All project work must be completed by 31 March 2025.

Stage One applications will be accepted from 20 February 2023 to 3 March 2023 (23:59).

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has announced the third application window of Round 2 for the Community Ownership Fund. The government is providing £150 million over four years to support community groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost.

Voluntary and community groups can apply for match funding to acquire important assets and run them for the benefit of the local community. The Fund will run until 2024/25 and DLUHC intend to run 3 bidding windows each year for applicants to submit a full application to the Fund.

The deadline for applications for this funding round is 14 April 2023 at 11:59am. DLUHC will aim to communicate outcomes of applications in summer 2023.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has announced the third application window of Round 2 for the Community Ownership Fund. The government is providing £150 million over four years to support community groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost.

Voluntary and community groups can apply for match funding to acquire important assets and run them for the benefit of the local community. The Fund will run until 2024/25 and DLUHC intend to run 3 bidding windows each year for applicants to submit a full application to the Fund.

The deadline for applications for this funding round is 14 April 2023 at 11:59am. DLUHC will aim to communicate outcomes of applications in summer 2023.

Your Fund Surrey eligibility criteria has recently been updated. Unfortunately Your Fund Surrey does not support projects wishing to purchase land or property. If you're seeking to purchase a property you may be interested in the following funding opportunity: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-ownership-fund-round-2-application-form-assessment-criteria-guidance

Over £14 million will be available which allow both local authorities and community groups to access funds for new tree-planting projects

Hundreds of thousands of trees will be planted in communities across England after two major funding schemes reopened for applications today.

For applications to YFS with a total project cost exceeding £1m, we will require a business plan as part of your full submission. Here is some guidance that might help you to develop or improve yours:

For applications to YFS with a total project cost exceeding £1m, we will require a business plan as part of your full submission. Here is some guidance that might help you to develop or improve yours:

Crowdfund Guildford is back with another funding round this Spring where you can pitch for up to £5,000 to fund your project! If you have a community project which needs funding, come along to our online workshop to find out more about the programme, the support available and how to get started with your crowdfunding campaign.

Our project creator workshop is taking place at midday on 21st February . Click below to register. ⬇️

The London, Middlesex, Amateur and Surrey FAs have organise a funding webinar designed for football clubs.

"Regional Grassroots Football Grants Webinar: accessing funding to improve facilities and increase revenue.

The Amateur FA, London FA, Middlesex FA and Surrey FAs have teamed up to deliver a facilities workshop, which will look at what funding can be accessed to improve the facilities at your club, and how as an organisation you can increase revenue.

Workshop Outcomes:

Improve your grass pitches and what funding is available.

Small grants - what you can apply for.

Increase revenue by improving your pavilion, engaging different community groups and other sports.

Webinar details:

Wednesday 18th January 2023

18:30-20:00

Session to be hosted by representatives from the Football Foundation and the Grounds Management Association."

New partnership with Sussex Community Foundation and Cubitt & West Estate Agents

We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Sussex Community Foundation delivering the Cubitt & West Emergency Fund in Surrey, to help address cost of living challenges this winter.

The Cubitt & West Emergency Fund will make grants to support charities and not-for-profit organisations helping to support families and children facing financial hardship during the winter of 2022-23. Grants will be made to fund material and practical help such as food, clothing and other essentials. Unfortunately, the fund is unable to support charities providing advice such as Citizens Advice.

Cubitt & West wishes to connect more with local charitable organisations where they are based. Therefore, the new fund is targeted at the following areas where branch offices are located. These are: Banstead, Cranleigh, Dorking, Horley, Leatherhead, Reigate, Redhill and Caterham.

Successful grantees will be asked to contact their local branches, and, where possible, make a visit with them. This aims to connect staff teams with local organisations and to share publicity about these grants.

New partnership with Sussex Community Foundation and Cubitt & West Estate Agents

We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Sussex Community Foundation delivering the Cubitt & West Emergency Fund in Surrey, to help address cost of living challenges this winter.

The Cubitt & West Emergency Fund will make grants to support charities and not-for-profit organisations helping to support families and children facing financial hardship during the winter of 2022-23. Grants will be made to fund material and practical help such as food, clothing and other essentials. Unfortunately, the fund is unable to support charities providing advice such as Citizens Advice.

Cubitt & West wishes to connect more with local charitable organisations where they are based. Therefore, the new fund is targeted at the following areas where branch offices are located. These are: Banstead, Cranleigh, Dorking, Horley, Leatherhead, Reigate, Redhill and Caterham.

Successful grantees will be asked to contact their local branches, and, where possible, make a visit with them. This aims to connect staff teams with local organisations and to share publicity about these grants.

Gatwick Foundation Fund relaunches as pandemic eases

The Gatwick Foundation Fund has relaunched after being suspended during the pandemic. Grants are available for local projects that support young people, improve health and wellbeing, tackle social isolation and disadvantage, or raise aspirations and employment opportunities.

People working for local community projects in Tandridge, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley can now apply for funding from Gatwick Airport’s Foundation Fund, with projects receiving £100,000 in total across three rounds of funding.

The Fund is designed to distribute the economic benefits that the airport generates among local people and communities that may not benefit directly from other economic contributions the airport brings to the region.

Gatwick Foundation Fund relaunches as pandemic eases

The Gatwick Foundation Fund has relaunched after being suspended during the pandemic. Grants are available for local projects that support young people, improve health and wellbeing, tackle social isolation and disadvantage, or raise aspirations and employment opportunities.

People working for local community projects in Tandridge, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley can now apply for funding from Gatwick Airport’s Foundation Fund, with projects receiving £100,000 in total across three rounds of funding.

The Fund is designed to distribute the economic benefits that the airport generates among local people and communities that may not benefit directly from other economic contributions the airport brings to the region.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

December Q&A sessions:

We’re a group of volunteers in Surrey who are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference.

Christmas can be a stressful time with pressure to have the ‘perfect’ Christmas and spend money we might not have on gifts, food, decorations, events, and travel. Now more than ever with the cost-of-living crisis more and more of us are feeling the pinch.

7 in 10 people in the UK readily admit to buying far more food than they need, meaning that UK residents will waste 54 million platefuls of food during December.

One report states that 81 million unwanted presents are received each year, which is an average of 3 per UK household.

This year more than ever we’re also thinking about how we can make some changes. Here’s some of our tips for a greener, cheaper and more sustainable Christmas. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle – Do you need it? Can you do with less? Can you get it second-hand? Can you repurpose or upcycle? What happens to it after Christmas?

Use a present to wrap a present! Wrap presents in a nice scarf sourced from your local charity shop.

Look out for recyclable cards & wrapping paper. Glitter is not recyclable so be careful to choose cards and wrapping paper without glitter (although you might find some with bio-degradable glitter).

Use fully recyclable brown paper (super cheap from pound shops or equivalent) to wrap presents. You can go minimalist chic and just keep the paper plain and maybe add some parcel string, or you can get a bit creative! You can make your own vegetable stamps and stamp the paper using some basic poster paint (before wrapping the present).

Try to buy pre-loved items (check your local charity shops, eBay, Vinted etc).

Our IT experts and guest speakers will be covering multiple IT topics such as cyber security, digital transformation, hybrid working, website management and cloud backup. All webinars on Small Charity IT Day are free!

Don't miss out, join us on 16th November 2022 to find out all about our exclusive IT top tips for charities. You may be the lucky attendee who wins a £15 Just Eat E-voucher or even our Qlic tech bundle!

Small Charity IT Day Schedule

09:30 - 10:15am Cyber Security Top Tips For The Third Sector Host - Mike from Qlic

10:30 - 11:15pm Cyber Essentials - Assuring Your Charity against Cyber Attacks Hosts - Becca from National Cyber Security Centre & Neil from IASME

11:30 - 12:15pm Data Science Tips For Charities Host - Zara from Datakind

12:45 - 1:30pm The New Hybrid Working Model & Migrating To The Cloud Host - Adam from Qlic

1:45 - 2:30pm Is Your Charity Using The Cloud? What About Cloud Backup? Hosts - Chris and Simon from Datto

2:45 - 3:30pm WordPress & Elementor For The Third Sector Host - Pav from Qlic

3:45 - 4:30pm Charity Guide to Building Digital Perfection Hosts - Annie & Nicola from Dot Project

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

November Q&A sessions:

On Friday 2nd September, the Your Fund Surrey team visited the Topping Out ceremony for the Normandy Shop and Café. This significant moment was celebrating the last tile being placed on the roof of the building. The project has received £517k in Your Fund Surrey funding towards this purpose-built, community owned, community managed shop and café which will sell local produce and act as a meeting point for residents.

Speaking with Bob Hutton, chair of the management committee for the project, he explained that Normandy “needs a hub. It needs somewhere for the community to meet.” This need has already been evidenced in the high weekly turnout of the market at the same location.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

October Q&A sessions:

Thanks to Your Fund Surrey funding of £44,000 (with £5,509 contingency funding), plans for Limpsfield Way are well under way with the installation of the new ‘Rest and Play’ area. Located in a clearing south of the New Road car park, there is a newly constructed seating and play area for residents. This space now has a picnic table, three wooden benches and a variety of wooden play equipment for children.

Picnic table

Wooden benches

Wooden play equipment

In addition to this new area, there will also be an accessible path allowing access from the car park for both wheelchairs and buggies.

The Limpsfield Way circular walk is also nearing completion. This route, spanning Limpsfield to Limpsfield Chart, will be waymarked and have information boards with local historical facts. A cycle route is also planned to go alongside this, linking the village and Limpsfield Chart.

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

August Q&A sessions:

The Community Foundation for Surrey is pleased to announce that a number of our Donor Funds have come together with some additional generous support from Surrey County Council to support the sustainability and resilience of our voluntary sector organisations.

Working during the Pandemic has meant it necessary for many charities and community groups to work more closely with other groups to deliver services as well as changing services to provide new ways of delivery.

In the current economic climate, the funding environment is bleak. Many public sector contracts have been frozen and public grants programmes either cancelled or drastically cut back. Increasingly, charities are looking to respond to the urgent need to cut costs by looking for new ways of working, cementing partnership working or even merging. In addition, many are looking to change their business model in order to achieve greater financial sustainability in the longer-term. On the positive side, many are building on what they have learned during the pandemic, which enabled them to re-imagine the services they provide to beneficiaries.

The Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS) is seeing an increase in applications for ‘crisis’ funding – funding to address urgent cashflow needs. We would prefer to be able to work with community organisations earlier in their journey so that we can avoid the need for crisis intervention.

In response, CFS has created the Surrey Strategic Transformation Programme. The focus of this funding will be to support local voluntary and community organisations to become more resilient. It will help organisations to plan and adapt to change and be better equipped to survive and thrive through challenges and opportunities that may arise.

What sorts of things would we support?

• Work to carry out a feasibility study for premises move or new merger/partnership

• Strengthening an organisation’s leadership and governance, ensuring it has the right skills available to maintain and develop its work including set up of new partnerships/merger or improving strategic planning

• Building the capacity of an organisation’s digital/IT infrastructure to help deliver services and reach the communities it serves more efficiently and effectively

• Small capital work to adapt or refurbish existing premises for new purpose(s) or support a move to new premises

• Work to design and implement new systems to enable two organisations to work more closely together

• Analysis of potential demand for services/needs including analysis of potential partner organisations

• Reviewing structure and governance models

• Reviewing income and fundraising options or impact measurement

• Work to improve capacity e.g., strengthen impact, effectiveness or sustainability

• Increasing the involvement of service users/communities in the design, development and/or delivery of services

The Programme will not consider:

• Applications to support ‘business as usual’ – these can be made through our usual grant rounds, but this fund is specifically to fund ‘business change’

• Applications for core/running costs

• Applications from individuals, political or sectarian organisations, mainstream schools and colleges, playgroups, community centres, sports clubs. Religious groups can apply but their services must be open to all and the grants cannot be used for the promotion of religion

The Community Foundation for Surrey is pleased to announce that a number of our Donor Funds have come together with some additional generous support from Surrey County Council to support the sustainability and resilience of our voluntary sector organisations.

Working during the Pandemic has meant it necessary for many charities and community groups to work more closely with other groups to deliver services as well as changing services to provide new ways of delivery.

In the current economic climate, the funding environment is bleak. Many public sector contracts have been frozen and public grants programmes either cancelled or drastically cut back. Increasingly, charities are looking to respond to the urgent need to cut costs by looking for new ways of working, cementing partnership working or even merging. In addition, many are looking to change their business model in order to achieve greater financial sustainability in the longer-term. On the positive side, many are building on what they have learned during the pandemic, which enabled them to re-imagine the services they provide to beneficiaries.

The Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS) is seeing an increase in applications for ‘crisis’ funding – funding to address urgent cashflow needs. We would prefer to be able to work with community organisations earlier in their journey so that we can avoid the need for crisis intervention.

In response, CFS has created the Surrey Strategic Transformation Programme. The focus of this funding will be to support local voluntary and community organisations to become more resilient. It will help organisations to plan and adapt to change and be better equipped to survive and thrive through challenges and opportunities that may arise.

What sorts of things would we support?

• Work to carry out a feasibility study for premises move or new merger/partnership

• Strengthening an organisation’s leadership and governance, ensuring it has the right skills available to maintain and develop its work including set up of new partnerships/merger or improving strategic planning

• Building the capacity of an organisation’s digital/IT infrastructure to help deliver services and reach the communities it serves more efficiently and effectively

• Small capital work to adapt or refurbish existing premises for new purpose(s) or support a move to new premises

• Work to design and implement new systems to enable two organisations to work more closely together

• Analysis of potential demand for services/needs including analysis of potential partner organisations

• Reviewing structure and governance models

• Reviewing income and fundraising options or impact measurement

• Work to improve capacity e.g., strengthen impact, effectiveness or sustainability

• Increasing the involvement of service users/communities in the design, development and/or delivery of services

The Programme will not consider:

• Applications to support ‘business as usual’ – these can be made through our usual grant rounds, but this fund is specifically to fund ‘business change’

• Applications for core/running costs

• Applications from individuals, political or sectarian organisations, mainstream schools and colleges, playgroups, community centres, sports clubs. Religious groups can apply but their services must be open to all and the grants cannot be used for the promotion of religion

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

July Q&A sessions:

Good News Story!

Funding Awarded to South Park Sports Association

South Park Sports Association has been awarded £150,000 for a floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch with a spectator area, providing an opportunity for existing, former and new teams to play and build their provision for women, girls and people living with disabilities.

This will not only benefit South Park Adult and Junior sections but local clubs Reigate Woman, East Surrey Hawks, Reigate Youth amongst others. The site will also be used for the Reigate Refugee programme, Man versus Fat health league as well as Walking Football sessions. There will also be Just Play sessions for casual users, with the English Deaf league and local YMCA also benefiting.

South Park Sports Association are looking to provide a world class facility for the benefit of the many and not the few for all ages and abilities.

The project will also see environmental benefits with the installation of energy saving LED floodlights which will also reduce light pollution. The waste earth will be used around the outside of the facility instead of being transported to local landfill.

South Park Sports Ground before 3G pitch

South Park Sports Association pavilion

Cheque presentation to South Park Sports Association

Good News Story!

Funding Awarded to South Park Sports Association

South Park Sports Association has been awarded £150,000 for a floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch with a spectator area, providing an opportunity for existing, former and new teams to play and build their provision for women, girls and people living with disabilities.

This will not only benefit South Park Adult and Junior sections but local clubs Reigate Woman, East Surrey Hawks, Reigate Youth amongst others. The site will also be used for the Reigate Refugee programme, Man versus Fat health league as well as Walking Football sessions. There will also be Just Play sessions for casual users, with the English Deaf league and local YMCA also benefiting.

South Park Sports Association are looking to provide a world class facility for the benefit of the many and not the few for all ages and abilities.

The project will also see environmental benefits with the installation of energy saving LED floodlights which will also reduce light pollution. The waste earth will be used around the outside of the facility instead of being transported to local landfill.

South Park Sports Ground before 3G pitch

South Park Sports Association pavilion

Cheque presentation to South Park Sports Association

If you have been inspired by some of our latest Good News Stories or have an idea for a great community project, please do attend one of our Q&A sessions.

Please register by clicking on one of the links below.

June Q&A sessions:

Good News Story!

Funding Awarded to Pirbright Community Amateur Sports Pavilion

Pirbright Community Amateur Sports Pavilion has been awarded £300,000 for an environmentally sustainable, community amateur sports pavilion, at the heart of the village, to help foster wider engagement in active lifestyles for all.

The village's existing cricket pavilion, nearly 70 years old and in poor condition, will be demolished and replaced. The new pavilion will provide accessible welfare facilities, including team and official changing, toilets, kitchen and a community café. It will act as a focal point for coaching, events and a meeting place for the wider community.

The new Pavilion is designed for all ages to support healthy and active lifestyles in an area with limited access to formal sports provision.

The project involves ATC Pirbright and local mainstream and special schools. It will promote wider participation in sport and new community activities locally.

Good News Story!

Funding Awarded to Pirbright Community Amateur Sports Pavilion

Pirbright Community Amateur Sports Pavilion has been awarded £300,000 for an environmentally sustainable, community amateur sports pavilion, at the heart of the village, to help foster wider engagement in active lifestyles for all.

The village's existing cricket pavilion, nearly 70 years old and in poor condition, will be demolished and replaced. The new pavilion will provide accessible welfare facilities, including team and official changing, toilets, kitchen and a community café. It will act as a focal point for coaching, events and a meeting place for the wider community.

The new Pavilion is designed for all ages to support healthy and active lifestyles in an area with limited access to formal sports provision.

The project involves ATC Pirbright and local mainstream and special schools. It will promote wider participation in sport and new community activities locally.

Find a Grant

If you are interested in taking positive action on the climate crisis in Surrey, we have an online webinar coming up on the 7th April that will support and inspire you to make a difference locally.

The webinar will let you know about:

• What Surrey County Council is doing to achieve net zero carbon

• How Community Energy South can support local communities to take action

• Good news stories about what is already happening in Surrey

• Funding that is available for community led projects

There will also be a chance for you to discuss your ideas and let us know what you need to make them happen. The event starts at 10am and will run until 2pm.

If you are interested in attending one of our Q & A sessions, please register by clicking on one of the links below.

March Q & A sessions:

On the 8th February 2022, Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) Cabinet will be asked to consider the Thomas Flack Trust Fund Grant report.

What is the Thomas Flack Trust Fund?

This Trust Fund offers funding support for projects benefiting the residents of Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham and Fetcham. The fund has limited resources and therefore funding applications up to £25,000 are advised. Applications can be made for both Revenue and Capital projects.

Each year, applications are invited for projects which will provide permanent facilities for local people and assist the start-up of new initiatives. All applications are reviewed by the Thomas Flack Working Group, made up of elected Members of wards in the north of the district. Projects where significant funding has already been raised from the general public, or directly from members of the organisation making the application will be given a priority.

What is Mole Valley District Council's Involvement?

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is the trustee of the Thomas Flack Trust Fund, established in 2005 to offer funding to projects that benefit residents in Ashtead, Bookham, Leatherhead and Fetcham.

What is the deadline for applications for 2023/2024 funding?

New applicants are requested to submit their proposals for 2023/24 funding from April 2022. The deadline for submission is 30th September 2022.

What will be discussed at the Meeting on 8th February?

The working group’s views will be discussed and grants agreed at the meeting on 8 February.

This year, the group is recommending that funds totalling £22,073 will be allocated to:

- Ashtead Tennis Players Club for the installation of floodlights on the two community courts

- Parochial Church Council of Leatherhead to install and fit a new kitchen

- B@titude in Leatherhead to support ‘The Hive’ providing art and craft activities for the local community

- Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) for providing music sessions in Leatherhead and Bookham

Councillor Emma Norman, Chair of the Thomas Flack Working Group, said: “I hope that the proposed funding will be able to support local projects to benefit our communities. It’s great to see that there is so much going on in Mole Valley and we’re proud to be part of it. We encourage new applicants to submit their proposals for 2023/24 funding from April 2022. The deadline for submission is 30th September 2022.

On the 8th February 2022, Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) Cabinet will be asked to consider the Thomas Flack Trust Fund Grant report.

What is the Thomas Flack Trust Fund?

This Trust Fund offers funding support for projects benefiting the residents of Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham and Fetcham. The fund has limited resources and therefore funding applications up to £25,000 are advised. Applications can be made for both Revenue and Capital projects.

Each year, applications are invited for projects which will provide permanent facilities for local people and assist the start-up of new initiatives. All applications are reviewed by the Thomas Flack Working Group, made up of elected Members of wards in the north of the district. Projects where significant funding has already been raised from the general public, or directly from members of the organisation making the application will be given a priority.

What is Mole Valley District Council's Involvement?

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is the trustee of the Thomas Flack Trust Fund, established in 2005 to offer funding to projects that benefit residents in Ashtead, Bookham, Leatherhead and Fetcham.

What is the deadline for applications for 2023/2024 funding?

New applicants are requested to submit their proposals for 2023/24 funding from April 2022. The deadline for submission is 30th September 2022.

What will be discussed at the Meeting on 8th February?

The working group’s views will be discussed and grants agreed at the meeting on 8 February.

This year, the group is recommending that funds totalling £22,073 will be allocated to:

- Ashtead Tennis Players Club for the installation of floodlights on the two community courts

- Parochial Church Council of Leatherhead to install and fit a new kitchen

- B@titude in Leatherhead to support ‘The Hive’ providing art and craft activities for the local community

- Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) for providing music sessions in Leatherhead and Bookham

Councillor Emma Norman, Chair of the Thomas Flack Working Group, said: “I hope that the proposed funding will be able to support local projects to benefit our communities. It’s great to see that there is so much going on in Mole Valley and we’re proud to be part of it. We encourage new applicants to submit their proposals for 2023/24 funding from April 2022. The deadline for submission is 30th September 2022.

The Community Foundation for Surrey is an independent charitable foundation, that brings together local donors with voluntary organisations providing positive solutions to the many challenges within our communities.

Community Foundation for Surrey Funding Surgeries

The Community Foundation for Surrey are offering 30-minute virtual one to one meetings (via Microsoft Teams) with a Grant Officer. These sessions have been set-up to provide advice and guidance for anyone thinking of making an application to The Community Foundation for Surrey.

The upcoming sessions are:

Tuesday 22nd February

Wednesday 23rd March

Various times are currently available.

For more information, please contact the team via:

• Email: grants@cfsurrey.org.uk

• Telephone: 01483 478092

Please follow the link below to find out more information about The Community Foundation Surrey:

The Community Foundation for Surrey is an independent charitable foundation, that brings together local donors with voluntary organisations providing positive solutions to the many challenges within our communities.

Community Foundation for Surrey Funding Surgeries

Reducing plastic waste can be tricky. Last year student Elina set out to reduce her plastic waste and shares her top tips in the latest Greener Futures blog.

Enabling Community Action on the Climate Crisis in Surrey

Join our webinar on 14:00 on February 3rd 2022 and meet the Community Energy South team.

If you are interested in attending one of our Q & A sessions, please register by clicking on one of the links below.

February - Q & A sessions

Join our webinar on 14:00 on February 3rd 2022 and meet the Community Energy South team.

If you are interested in attending one of our Q & A sessions, please register by clicking on one of the links below.

December - Q & A sessions

On the 10th November the COP26 United Nations Conference on Climate Change came to Surrey to showcase the local ambition to create a greener future through reducing transport emissions. After a successful funding bid to the Greater South East Energy Hub, on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, in mid-September the Surrey County Council Greener Futures Team were selected to host a COP26 Regional Roadshow event.

The theme of the event was how to deliver net zero transport in a rural county by taking a ‘smart county’ approach to physical connectivity. This links to our ambitions to significantly reduce transport emissions in Surrey. Primarily this will mean using public transport and active travel (walking and cycling) when possible, and switching to ultra-low emission vehicles for private journeys.

(Above: Local school children talking to Patrick Warner from Buses about the prototype hydrogen bus that visited the event)

Transport emissions account for 41% of carbon emissions in Surrey, which is higher than the average for the South of England. This is alongside the public health impacts of air pollution.

Despite the damp weather it was a hugely successful day with over 40 partners involved. The event was also filmed and livestreamed to the COP26 website, with Surrey County Council Executive Director of Environment, Transport and Infrastructure, Katie Stewart acting as the host. Katie spoke to and interviewed numerous people over the day including Paralympian Sam Ruddock, who was there to support the electric bike challenge which took place. The event was open to the public to visit the stalls and we also had local schools including St Polycarps Primary School, visit to learn about climate change and transport. Students from Kings International College and the Woking Shifa Network travelled to the event on three new electric community buses provided by Woking Bustler. The Active Surrey pedal powered Scalextric track proved particularly popular with visitors of all ages!

(Above: Representatives from the Shifa Network, who organising cycle training for South East Asian women in Woking, with Katie Stewart (second from right))

It was a fantastic day but also the start of a journey. Local authorities in Surrey only directly control less than 1% of all emissions so it is vital that we work together with all partners, residents, communities and businesses to meet our target to become a net zero county by 2050.

Highlights from the day included the BBC interviewing Surrey County Council member for Transport Matt Furniss about the new hydrogen buses that will be hitting Surrey roads in June, an Air Pollution Art Exhibition with the University for Creative Arts and an electric bicycle challenge courtesy of Canyon Bikes with Paralympic cyclist Sam Ruddock.

Other partners included:

(Above: Attendees from Surrey Choices demonstrated adapted bikes from Wheels for All, pictured here with Paralympic cyclist Sam Ruddock (centre))

If you are interested in attending one of our Q & A sessions, please register by clicking on one of the links below.

December - Q & A sessions

Join us in Farnham on 10th November to mark COP26 with a special event focussed on sustainable transport, or take part in our competition to be in with a chance of winning an electric bike!

As world leaders continue to come together in Glasgow to tackle the climate emergency, Surrey County Council will mark the UN Climate Change Conference with a special event in Farnham, and also by encouraging residents to get involved in tackling climate change by pledging to ‘do one thing’ to benefit the environment.

The event:

Want to test drive an electric car or van? Or see electric bikes in action? Find out more about what the future of transport could look like in Surrey? Come along to our free COP26 event, which is part of the national COP26 Regional Roadshow programme!

The ‘Greener Travel Surrey’ event is being held in Farnham, Upper Hart Car Park, on 10th November between 10am and 3pm. Activities will include:

We are pleased to announce the first two projects have been approved for funding. Funding of £30k has been awarded to the Weybridge Men’s Shed and £35,000 for the Claygate Recreation Ground Trust.

Michael O’Sullivan, Trustee and Treasurer of the Weybridge Men’s Shed Charity said: “We are indeed honoured to have been the first organisation advised by Your Fund Surrey of an award. On behalf of our Steering Group, our vital key holders, and the growing number of “shedders” already benefitting from the facilities, a huge and grateful “Thank you!”. The funding will enable the internal fitout of both sheds to be finished and an underground water treatment system installed to complete the Project.”

Helen Maguire from Claygate Recreation Ground Trust said: “This is great news we can now progress with the Family Garden and pedestrian path to the pavilion, which is the second stage of our landscaping plan, following the successful rebuild and opening of the Claygate Pavilion this year. This funding will enable individuals, families and sporting and community groups regardless of ability to enjoy spending time outdoors thus increasing their health and wellbeing”.

Have Your Say

We are pleased to announce the first two projects have been approved for funding. Funding of £30k has been awarded to the Weybridge Men’s Shed and £35,000 for the Claygate Recreation Ground Trust.

Michael O’Sullivan, Trustee and Treasurer of the Weybridge Men’s Shed Charity said: “We are indeed honoured to have been the first organisation advised by Your Fund Surrey of an award. On behalf of our Steering Group, our vital key holders, and the growing number of “shedders” already benefitting from the facilities, a huge and grateful “Thank you!”. The funding will enable the internal fitout of both sheds to be finished and an underground water treatment system installed to complete the Project.”

Helen Maguire from Claygate Recreation Ground Trust said “This is great news we can now progress with the Family Garden and pedestrian path to the pavilion, which is the second stage of our landscaping plan, following the successful rebuild and opening of the Claygate Pavilion this year. This funding will enable individuals, families and sporting and community groups regardless of ability to enjoy spending time outdoors thus increasing their health and wellbeing”.

Have Your Say

If you are interested in attending one of our Q & A sessions, please register by clicking on one of the links below. Please note that we have a limited number of sessions and so cannot guarantee you a space.

November - Q & A sessions

If you are interested in attending one of our Q & A sessions, please register by clicking on one of the links below. Please note that we have a limited number of sessions and so we cannot guarantee you a space.

October - Q & A sessions

Updates to commonplace

Given the recent IPCC report on climate change, it is clearer than ever that we need to make changes to reduce carbon emissions produced in Surrey and we need to do this at pace. We’re now in the final stages of preparing our Climate Change Delivery Plan that will set out what we aim to achieve in the next few years to reduce our carbon footprint.

You can provide feedback on our plans through our dedicated engagement website, which has been updated with new questions and information about our approach. We want to know whether you think we are focusing on the right things? What you are doing to reduce carbon and protect the environment within your community? What are your barriers to reducing your impact on the planet? In Surrey, we need to reduce our carbon emissions by at least 17% by 2025 and we all have a part to play in tackling climate change.

Come and talk to us!

Together with Surrey Climate Commission and People's Assembly Surrey we have two workshop opportunities to share your views on the Climate Change Delivery Plan and explore how we can all work together to combat climate change. There will particular focus on how the Council can support residents and communities to achieve meaningful carbon reduction and exploring funding necessary to achieve this. Both events are open to all.

We are developing the Surrey Climate Change Delivery Plan, which will outline how we are going to reduce our carbon emissions to achieve net zero by 2050, for the initial period of 2021-2025. By 2025 Surrey needs to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 17%. This is a huge challenge and we all have a part to play.

We have joined up with the People's Assembly Surrey to hear your views on the Climate Change Delivery Plan and explore how we can all work together to combat climate change with a particular focus on how the Council can support residents and communities to achieve meaningful carbon reduction and exploring funding necessary to achieve this.

We thought we’d give you an update on the progress so far of Your Fund Surrey with these at a glance infographics. It gives you an idea of how many other organisations are applying for the fund and at what stage they’re at. It also shows how many people in Surrey are engaging and showing interest in the fund via the activity on our webpages - Commonplace and Have your Say. We’ve had some great feedback from you all via the Q&A sessions and we value your input. We’ll keep you posted monthly to show exactly the scale of people Making It Happen in Surrey and hopefully it will inspire others to get involved. As you can see the Your Fund Surrey team have certainly got plenty to be getting on with!

Surrey County Council’s Cabinet has approved the principles of Surrey’s Climate Change Delivery Plan which sets out how we all need to act to contribute to our ambition of Net-Zero carbon emissions for the County Council by 2030, and for the whole county by 2050.

Residents will be asked over the coming months to get involved and put forward their ideas to help make Surrey a greener county that is fit for future generations. We want to hear from communities leading the way on zero carbon, schools that are gearing up to become shining green beacons, businesses that are keen to be innovate around decarbonisation and all residents who would like to help us turn our target into a reality.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be hosting a mixture of themed Q&A and 1-2-1 sessions to answer your questions. On Thursday 8 July, we are hosting Q&A sessions at the times mentioned below. If you are interested in attending one of our sessions, please register by clicking on one of our 45-minute slot below. Please note, we have limited number of sessions/space and cannot guarantee you a space.

If you want to stay informed about the latest news and opportunities from the Surrey County Council Greener Futures team please sign up to our quarterly newsletter.

Our latest newsletter included:

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be hosting a mixture of themed Q&A and 1-2-1 sessions to answer your questions. On Thursday 1 July, we are hosting 1-2-1 sessions at the times mentioned below. If you are interested in attending one of our sessions, please register by clicking on one of our 15-minute slot below. Please note, we have limited number of sessions/space and cannot guarantee you a space.

1 July - 121 Sessions:

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be hosting a mixture of themed Q&A and 1-2-1 sessions to answer your questions. On Thursday 24 June, we are hosting Q&A sessions at the times mentioned below. If you are interested in attending one of our sessions, please register by clicking on one of our 45-minute slot below. Please note, we have limited number of sessions/space and cannot guarantee you a space.

24 June - Q&A Sessions:

Surrey County Council are proud to have been headline sponsors for CREST 21, Surrey's first sustainable business awards which took place on 20th May. The awards were organised by Woking News & Mail in association with the University of Surrey’s Centre for Environment & Sustainability.

A young mum who started her business at her kitchen table bested an impressive array of national and international businesses to win the title of Sustainability Hero 2021.

Bare + Fair, the zero-waste retail business that Mel Hemmings started just over a year ago from her home in Woking, made her the Judges’ Choice for the Sustainability Hero Award it was revealed at the hybrid event, live-streamed from The Lightbox in Woking.

Mel wins the star prize of the event which is a place on one of the University of Surrey’s week-long masters level modules through its highly prestigious Centre for Environment and Sustainability. The other category winners, who represented a wide cross-section of enterprises that are either based or work in Surrey, will receive the chance of a highly prized complimentary sustainability consultation session with one of the Centre’s leading experts.

Bare + Fair was inspired by the Zero Waste movement and launched off the back Mel’s efforts to reduce her family’s plastic use and live more sustainably. Frustrated finding viable eco-friendly alternatives locally she set up her own zero waste retail business.

She swiftly moved from her kitchen table to a stall at Woking Market, and in lockdown was running a free local bicycle home delivery service of refills. Support from the local community helped her to create a zero-waste pop-up shop to keep going during the coronavirus pandemic and it has now expanded into a permanent shop in the town.

In a spin off from the pandemic, the business teamed up with a local dressmaker to offer locally-made cotton face masks with at least 50% of profits from the sales going to a local charity. Mel has also worked with schools and local community and business groups to give talks and presentations sharing information on what zero waste means.

Postponed last year because of the pandemic, the News & Mail and CES teams took the opportunity to rebuild the event in a hybrid format, drawing a wide audience with speakers who included Joanna Yarrow, former Head of Sustainable & Healthy Living at IKEA, Ian Christie, senior lecturer at the CES and Ruth Nic Aoidh an Executive Director at McLaren Automotive.

All category winners are listed below.

Winners and Commendations for CREST21 Sustainable Business Awards

Sustainability Hero Award

Sponsored by the Chambers Group

Winner: Bare + Fair

Commended finalists: Plant Passion, Pennypot Day Nursery, Binary Botanicals

Efficiency Champion Award

Sponsored by Holdsway

Winner: Pennypot Day Nursery

Commended finalists: Tannery Studios, Mesh Energy

Sustainability Impact Award

Sponsored by Kier

Winner: Mesh Energy

Commended finalists: Red Box, Pennypot Day Nursery

Transforming Food Award

Sponsored by Planet Woking

Winner: Binary Botanical

Commended finalists: Eden Greens - Urban Farm, HOP

Going Circular Award

Sponsored by Kier

Winner: Silent Pool Distillers

Commended finalists: Instantswim, Bare + Fair

Resilience in Crisis Award

Sponsored by Woking News & Mail and University of Surrey’s Centre for Environment & Sustainability

Winner: Silent Pool Distillers

Commended finalists: Plant Passion, Surrey Care Trust

CREST21 Sustainable Business Awards Sponsors:

As Headline Sponsor Surrey County Council’s Environment Commissioning Group Manager, Katie Sargent, was among the six judges and said: “I was so impressed with the calibre of entries, it was really great to see all of the different initiatives that local businesses have been undertaking in order to reduce their impact on the environment.”

Voluntary Action Reigate and Banstead is hosting a series of bitesize funder information events over the next couple of months.

You can book onto a Your Fund Surrey event on 9 June 2pm – 4pm

This event is aimed at voluntary, community and faith organisations that deliver services within the Borough of Reigate & Banstead.

Part One of the event will be a presentation from Surrey County Council, giving an update on the Fund and the application process. There will be examples of some of the suggestions made in Reigate & Banstead (and any notable ones made across Surrey). This will be followed by a general Q&A and the opportunity for anyone thinking of making a bid to share their ideas, to build support and partnership working. This first part of the workshop will take around 30 minutes.

Part Two of the event will be a series of individual appointments. If you are considering making an application, you will have the opportunity to discuss your project and the application process in more detail. Each appointment will last 15 minutes.

The Your Fund Surrey (YFS) team have been sorting through all the Ideas Submissions and will be in touch shortly to ask selected projects to submit a Full Submission. The YFS team will email you whether you’ve been successful or not, please bear with us as we start sending out the email notifications.

We said we’d keep you updated about all things “Your Fund Surrey” so here we are …. the Ideas Submission Portal opened at the beginning of March and so far over 70 applications have been submitted online. Thanks to all those who have submitted an idea so far. We’re going through all the submissions now and we’ll be getting back to you all sometime in April. If we need any further information we’ll be in touch. If your Idea is accepted you’ll then be invited to submit a Full Submission.

There are plenty of big ideas out there with Surrey communities pinning lots of ideas on the Your Fund map which is great to see. We now have 878 ideas on the map with over 28,193 likes. Do take a look and see what else is being proposed in your area.