Purpose

Environmental Pride was set up at the
beginning of 2022 to support community-led environmental
improvement projects in Doncaster. St Leger Homes and City of
Doncaster Council lead the programme, alongside an active
partnership consisting of Voluntary Action Doncaster, private
companies identified by Doncaster Chamber, DN Colleges Group and
E.N. North.
Grants up to £5,000 are available per application.
Round 1 of Environmental Pride received £21,000 of external
private investment and supported eight community groups to deliver
a range of projects, from food growing at communal halls through to
litter picking lunches. The first set of eight projects have been
in operation and will complete by summer 2023.
For Round 2, a further seven community groups have been awarded
grants worth a total of £23,400. Round 2 grant recipients
will demonstrate how their projects will be community led, respond
to climate change by improving their local environment and have
lasting impact.
For Round 3, it is proposed to use up to £30,000 from Future
Parks budget and up to £30,000 match funding from the
Environment & Sustainability earmarked reserve.
While the value of applications have not exceeded £30,000 in
the previous rounds, the promotion and exposure of Round 3 is
planned to be much wider and intends to attract more
applications.
Applicants for Round 3 will have the option to apply for category 1
(physical improvements to natural environment) or category 2
(activities/events within public spaces). The Environment and
Sustainability earmarked reserve will fund any suitable projects
that apply for category 1 and the Future Parks budget will fund any
activities/events that apply for category 2. No external funding
will be used for Round 3. Therefore, funding from both the
Environment & Sustainability earmarked reserve and the Future
Parks budget will be allocated at the same time but for separate
categories.
This investment will better support community groups to contribute
towards the Environment and Sustainability strategy. By enabling
grassroots organisations and community groups to decide for
themselves the necessary improvements needed within their area,
this will increase community ownership/pride over local, shared
spaces.
Proposed outcomes from Environmental Pride programme:
- Community groups are supported to deliver projects that
contribute towards the Environment & Sustainability
Strategy
- Social and community capacity is enhanced across the City of
Doncaster and people feel part of the climate change response
- Improved community spaces and sense of pride in the City of
Doncaster.
- Ongoing legacy that inspires other groups to replicate
projects
Since the programme started, it has been funded by private
organisations. The Council will continue to seek inward investment
into the programme, which can replace any funding committed by the
Council, and/or act as further match funding to extend the reach of
the programme.

See Officer Decision Record for further information.

Content

To use £30,000 from the Future Parks
budget
To allocate match funding of £30,000 from the Environment
& Sustainability Earmarked Reserve

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Continue to seek external
funding
- The council will continue to seek external funding and
sponsorship from Doncaster businesses.
- In the absence of further external funding, the funding from the
Future Parks programme and Environment & Sustainability
earmarked reserve will provide certainty of funding for the
programme