School funding

There are a range of funding sources available for environmental projects in schools as listed below and also specialised financing for energy saving and renewable energy measures.

BAA Community Fund

Schools in the borough can now apply for large and small grants from BAA (the company that owns Heathrow) to support projects that improve the local environment.

Small grants of up to £2,500 are availble for projects which fit the following themes: ‘reduce, re-use, recycle’; ‘climate change and energy’; ‘protecting and enhancing our environment’; ‘bringing communities together’ and ‘developing skills’.Grants are awarded six times per year.

The large grants can be between £2,501 and £50,000 and schools can choose a project that involves sustainable development and eco-education, protects the natural environment or brings communities together. Larger grants are awarded up to three times per year.

Waitrose Community Matters

Waitrose branches across the country are giving away a share of £1000 a month to community projects. Each month three projects are chosen to share in the pot of money for their work in the local community. Check the full list of Waitrose branches to find your local branch.

Other funding

• The Pod website for greener schools offers a useful list of funding opportunities available to schools.
• As does the Eco Schools website, which lists funding under each of the nine Eco Schools themes.