DARTMOOR National Park Authority has opened its Communities Fund 2016/17 for applications and is calling for community organisations on Dartmoor to come forward if they have a project that needs funding.

The Dartmoor Communities Fund offers up to 50% grant funding for capital projects that support existing valued community facilities and services, or create new community infrastructure to meet identified community needs.

The fund is supported by the New Homes Bonus from West Devon Borough, Teignbridge, and South Hams District Councils and this year there is just over £90,000 in the pot.

Last year successful projects included the renovation of a stunning medieval rood screen in St Peter’s Church, Buckland-in-the-Moor, new hot water showers for Chagford’s idyllic outdoor swimming pool and the development of the new community bike initiative at South Brent. 

The fund is open to applications during June and July, and you are encouraged to submit your project ideas early. Successful projects will be announced in September 2016.

New for this year and sitting alongside the main grants scheme, is the ‘Just Do It’ community action small grants pot, where applications for less than £500 will be determined within a month.

This ‘quick win’ grant scheme is aimed at environmental works and is ideal for when communities just need a small amount of cash to do works themselves to maintain or enhance their community.

The New Homes Bonus is a government scheme encouraging local authorities to grant planning permission for the building of new houses in return for additional revenue. The support for Dartmoor Communities Fund is in recognition of Dartmoor National Park’s role as a planning authority.

More information about both grants and how to apply can be found at www.dartmoor.gov.uk or by calling Jo Rumble, communities officer, on 01626 831024.