Using our Local Group Support Fund29 November 2010
Finding the funds for your campaigning isn't always easy. Our Local Group Support Fund can really help - as Colchester and NE Essex Friends of the Earth recently found out.
Over the years the group has campaigned heavily in support of renewable energy. As well as talking to the public about it on their stalls, group members have also:
- Visited proposed windfarm sites
- Collected residents' letters supporting local proposals
- Attended council meetings, public meetings and public inquiries
- Got plenty of local press coverage
So when the group heard about a conference in London focussing on the future of UK onshore windpower, two group members were keen to attend.
Sharing the load
As the event wasn't free the group applied to our Local Group Support Fund for a small grant to help make things easier. This Fund aims to provide financial support that can make a real difference.
We all had an extremely rewarding and interesting time. I was able to ask a Government official a very important question relating to a windfarm proposal in our area.
Paula Whitney, Coordinator of the group
Two for one
As luck would have it, the group were also offered complimentary tickets for a second conference, this time focussing on renewable energy in the public sector. The Fund helped cover some of the travel costs for that event too which was packed with exhibitions, talks and seminars.
In the end several group members received funding to cover the cost of attending both conferences.
Get funded
The Fund is open to to all Friends of the Earth groups and networks and - small grants are available up to £150 and large grants up to £1,500.
There's no limit to how many times you can apply - although you need to apply before you spend the money. Find out more.
© Colchester and North East Essex Friends of the Earth
