What is the Sustainable Development Fund?
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund is a fund supporting community projects in and around the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. In June 2020 the National Park Authority Committee took the decision to change the focus of the Fund. The Fund will now support community led projects that contribute towards a reduction in carbon and help respond to the climate emergency.
What is the aim of the Fund?
Our aim is to reduce local carbon emissions in our environment and to respond to the climate emergency.
What do you fund?
We are looking to fund projects that can deliver one of three specific carbon reduction projects listed below. There is also a fourth option for community led project ideas that reduce carbon and can demonstrate how they help to mitigate the climate emergency.
Applicants can apply for projects to deliver the following:
a. Install renewable energy generation facilities to a community building i.e. solar panels
b. An initiative to promote reduction in carbon emissions in transport i.e. installing an electric charging point for bikes or cars or by supporting access to non-individual travel
c. Install a community facility that minimises waste, i.e. water fountain
d. Any other community-based carbon reduction initiative.
Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply if your organisation is one of the following (priority will be given to local groups and organisations):
- voluntary or community organisation
- registered charity
- constituted group or club
- not-for-profit company or Community Interest Company
- social enterprise
- statutory body (including town, parish and community council).
We cannot accept applications from:
- individuals
- sole traders
- companies that are aimed at generating profits primarily for private distribution
- organisations based outside Pembrokeshire.
What can we spend the money on?
We can fund the following capital and revenue expenditure:
a. Installing renewable energy generation facilities to a community building i.e. solar panels
b. An initiative to promote reduction in carbon emissions in transport i.e. installing an electric charging point for bikes or cars or by supporting access to non-individual travel
c. Install a community facility that minimises waste, i.e. water fountain
d. Any other community-based carbon reduction initiative.
When should our project be completed by?
We are looking for most projects to be delivered between a 6 to 18 month period.
Is there a match funding requirement?
Yes, ideally we are looking for a community contribution of between 20% – 50% that can be offered as cash or in kind.
How much money is available?
In the 2023/24 financial year, the Sustainable Development Fund has a total of £100,000 available to fund projects in Pembrokeshire that support carbon reduction and help respond to the climate emergency.
How much can we apply for?
We do not have a minimum or maximum amount that you can apply for, but envisage that funded projects will be between £5,000 to £25,000. If your project is more or less than this, please get in touch.
Do I need to supply quotes?
Yes you will need to attach evidence of one quotation under £10,000, two quotes for items £10,001 – £24,999 and open procurement for items over £25,000.
How to make an application?
- First complete the online eligibility checklist to confirm you are eligible.
- If you are eligible, complete the online application form/download the application form from our website.
- Applications can be made in Welsh or English.
- Check the website for the latest deadlines. Be sure to get your application in on time! The next deadline will be announced here as soon as it has been confirmed.
- Email your application along with your annual accounts, a recent bank statement and your governing document/constitution, to sdf@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk.
How long will we have to wait for a decision?
We will acknowledge your application by email.
We expect to make a decision on your project within three months, but in most cases it will be sooner.
Do you have deadlines?
Yes there will be two deadlines each year. Please check the website for the latest deadlines.
Can my organisation have more than one grant at a time?
Organisations can reapply if they have completed a previous Sustainable Development Fund project and can demonstrate that the work has been completed and post project evaluation submitted.
In exceptional circumstances we may consider an additional grant, please email sdf@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk to discuss in the first instance.
Next deadline for submitted applications
Applications will open on Monday 12 February 2024. The deadline for applications will be 12 noon on Monday 1 April 2024.
More about the SDF Fund
SDF Case Studies
The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) has supported more than 200 projects since 2000
Find out more about how the Sustainable Development Fund works in practice with local organisations committed to bringing sustainability to the National Park. These pages may also help you to decide whether you would like to apply for SDF funding you
