The GIY Get Ireland Growing fund in partnership with AIB’s Add More Green Fund is a brand new community growing initiative, to micro-fund a number of food growing projects around Ireland. The fund is now open to applications from community groups, schools and not-for-profit initiatives seeking to develop growing projects. Grants of between €500 and €5,000 are available.
The fund will provide financial support for community-based environmental initiatives to develop sustainable projects to foster environmental education and action. The fund will support community groups that represent the most exciting energy in the environmental and community movement, that are in many cases not being reached by traditional funders.
Criteria
The fund is open to the following:
- Community groups and not-for-profits looking to develop a new community growing initiative.
- Existing edible garden schemes (or allotments with a communal space) that wish to enhance their initiative through the development of a ‘green initiative’.
- Schools that wish to apply for training services or equipment that will allow students to grow their own fruit or vegetables.
See application criteria [pdf, 120kB] for a full listing.
DEAD LINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 30TH April 2013.
More Information
For more information on eligibility and applications, call Ciaran Walsh on 051 302191.
Number and Size of Awards 2013: Over 70 individual projects will be funded in 2013, with funds available from €500 to €5,000.
Download Application forms here
Benefits of Community Growing
- Improves the quality of life for people in the garden
- Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development
- Stimulates Social Interaction
- Encourages Self-Reliance
- Beautifies Neighborhoods
- Produces Nutritious Food
- Reduces Family Food Budgets
- Conserves Resources
- Creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education
- Preserves Green Space
- Creates income opportunities and economic development
- Provides opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural connections
Source: Envirocentre – GIY Get Ireland Growing Fund in Partnership with AIB’s Add More Green Fund
