An annual grants scheme that sees over £75,000 awarded to community projects across Essex and Suffolk has opened for applications. 

Individuals, organisations, and community groups are encouraged to apply for grants that is available across the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which stretches from Kessingland in North Suffolk, down to the River Stour Estuary in North Essex.  

There are four different grant funds open, offering different levels of funding for varying purposes and the Coast & Heaths AONB is seeking applications from community projects that represent the widest range of society possible and supports equality of opportunities to access the funds.  

The AONB grants wish to support projects that show innovation, social inclusion, sustainability, public benefit, and partnership working. Individuals as well as organisations such as schools, businesses and community groups are all welcome to apply for funding. 

Previous examples of projects funded include art workshops for people with mental illness, new fencing and gates for nature and wildlife reserves, rural training for young people, as well as visitor information at well-known landmarks in the area.  

Whether you have a project that covers topics such as wildlife conservation, access and diversity, climate change, health and wellbeing, learning, and heritage to give you a few examples, the AONBs welcome your applications. 

For more information about the various grants that are available and the criteria and funding guidelines, please visit www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/managing/grants or contact Oka Last, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Grants Officer, on 01394 445225 or [email protected].