New
funding for societies and
schemes
As announced in the spring 2009 issue of NBN News, big Lottery Fund
initiative OPAL is coordinating a dedicated programme of support for local and
national natural history societies and recording schemes. As part of this
programme, the Natural History Museum has just launched a new three-year funding
stream for societies and schemes in England.
The OPAL Annual Grant Scheme is a small grants scheme which aims to build
the capacity of natural history societies and recording schemes through
supporting and enhancing their day-to-day operation, as well as their
development and outreach activities. Themed grant schemes will take place
annually in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Societies and schemes can apply now for grants
of between £500 and £2000. The deadline for applications is Friday
31st July 2009.
This year the theme is Making it easier. Easier for societies to
continue with their current activities, easier to expand their activities, and
easier to try something new.
Examples of projects we will fund
include:
.Equipment (for talks, fieldwork or training)
.Promotional materials (leaflets, banners, website)
.Public facing outreach events
.Events and activities that bring together a number of societies or
schemes, for example in joint meetings or fieldtrips.
Applying to the OPAL Annual Grant Scheme is quick and simple and you are
welcome to get in touch with us if you want any advice or help with your
application.
Further details and how to apply can be found at http://www.opalexplorenature.org/?q=Societyfunding
If you do not have internet access but would like further information
about the grant scheme, please contact:
Lucy Carter
OPAL Project Officer
Department of Botany
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell
Road
London
SW7 5BD
Direct Tel:0207 942 5188
Email: Lucy.carter@...