Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund

The Partnership Fund is available to support projects that help to achieve National Park purposes. It is open to communities, businesses and individuals (as well as to internal applications).

Whilst the overarching focus of the fund is the achievement of National Park purposes there is a weighting to projects that also provide community and economic benefits.

Essential Criteria

To qualify for funding a project must:

• further one or both National Park purposes:
  • Conservation and enhancement of the wildlife, natural beauty and culture heritage
  • Promotion of opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of Exmoor; and
• contribute to the achievement of objectives set out in the Exmoor National Park Management Plan; and
• demonstrate community involvement or support; and
• comply with state aid rules.

Desirable Criteria

In addition to the Essential Criteria listed above, weighting will be given to those projects that demonstrate:

• tangible economic and community benefits
• that other funding has been sought / has little access to other public funding
• lasting benefits beyond the initial funding period
• innovation or the use of best practice
• opportunities for others to learn from the project
• a contribution to the published priorities of the National Park Authority.

Grants

There is no minimum or maximum grant (within funding constraints) but all projects must demonstrate ‘best value’. This is a competitive fund and, as a guide, it is expected that most grants will range from £200 - £50,000.

The level of grant for non-commercial projects led by voluntary / charitable groups is normally up to 75% of total project costs and commercial / profit making organisations up to of 50% of project costs. Applicants will be expected to explore other funding opportunities which can add value to Exmoor National Park funding. In-kind contributions are also acceptable to include, for example, volunteer time, loan of equipment or facilities, and services provided free of charge.

Grants up to £2,500 will be determined by the Chief Executive, whilst all applications over £2,500 will be determined by the Discretionary Budget Sub Committee. A flow chart showing the decision making process can be viewed here(PDF).All offers of grant will be time limited by which time the project has to be completed and the grant claimed.

Applications should be made on the forms available below (hard copies are also available on request). In addition, unless otherwise agreed, a project / business plan is required for any application if:

• £20,000 or over is being sought
• The application is of a commercial nature or a new and ongoing income stream to sustain the project alongside grant income is required
• The project is particularly complex in its delivery.

How to apply

If you have an idea for a project you are advised to discuss this first with the Authority and submit an Expression of Interest form. Guidance can then be provided as to how best to proceed with an application.

There are two different application forms, and associated guidance notes, depending on whether you are applying for below or over £20,000.

Further information

If you need any further information, have any queries or need some help with a project idea please contact Dan James, the Authority's Sustainable Economy Officer on 01398 322234 or email PartnershipFund@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.

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