Year two of Eco-Schools Grants scheme: On your Marks, Get Set, Apply!

Thanks to the continuing support of Currys as part of the ‘Switched on Communities’ scheme Eco-Schools throughout the UK have the opportunity to apply for funding to help them progress towards the prestigious Green Flag award. 

Over 100 schools applied for a grant in year one of the ‘Switched on Communities’ scheme making judging at appraisal panel meetings a very competitive process.  41 schools were eventually successful and together shared a pot of almost £100,000. Items funded during year one included wind turbines, solar panels, a grey water collection system and even chickens as part of a healthy living kitchen!

Applications for grants up to a maximum of £5,000 are considered for new or existing projects that create positive change and development within a school on the themes of energy and water.  Priority will be given to projects that clearly demonstrate an energy efficiency element or identify technology solutions to environmental improvements. Please note that existing Green Flag schools are not eligible to apply for a grant.

The ‘Switched on Communities’ scheme also provides a selection of free energy saving white goods (those displaying the highest Energy Saving Logo rating) such as fridges, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers and energy efficient light bulbs. Schools may also apply for energy saving equipment such as energy efficient lamps, new heating controls, thermostatic radiator valves, insulation and draught stripping, “switch it off” stickers and posters.

To take advantage of this exciting opportunity your school needs to have:

• Achieved a Bronze or Silver award with the Eco-Schools programme
• Completed your Environmental Review
• Identified a project
• Completed an Action Plan which includes the project for which funds have been requested
• Chosen any required energy saving white goods from the Currys website www.currys.co.uk
• Completed a grant application (click here for link to guidance notes )

Grants through the ‘Switched on Communities’ scheme are available to Eco-Schools throughout the UK. If your school is based in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales please refer to the following websites for guidance:

www.ecoschoolsscotland.org

www.tidynorthernireland.org

www.eco-schoolswales.org

Applications will be reviewed three times during the 07/08 school year.  Panel meetings will take place mid November, mid February and mid April. Closing dates for all applications are as follows:

Round one: 1st November 2007 (closed)
Round two: 1st February 2008 (closed)
Round three: 1st April 2008 (closed)

Applications for the third year of funding may be submitted from the 1st September 2008. Due to possible criteria revisions all applications submitted before this date will be returned.

Key points to consider when making your grant application:

• Funding is available to support new and existing projects which contribute to the Eco-Schools themes of energy and water. However, greater priority will be given to projects which clearly demonstrate an energy efficiency element or identify technology solutions to environmental improvements. 
• Priority will also be given to projects that provide evidence of whole school involvement and demonstrate links to the national curriculum.
• Grants are available up to a maximum of £5,000 (either £5,000 in cash or a combination of cash and equipment up to the value of £5,000).
• ENCAMS anticipates most grants will be in the region of £2,000 to £3,500.  In order to apply for the maximum amount, Eco-Schools will need to address each of the priority themes (energy efficiency and technological solutions to environmental problems) in detail.
• When making an application please refer to the guidance notes.   We would encourage all prospective applicants to talk through their proposal with us before making an application. The Eco-Schools team in England can be contacted on 01942 612621 or e-mail eco-schools@encams.org

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