New strategy for giving from Biffaward
Biffaward, one of the largest schemes set up under the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme (LTCS), has launched a new Strategy for Giving in response to recent government changes to the LTCS.
In March 2003 Government announced that category C and CC (sustainable waste management) projects would be removed from the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme and re-channelled through a public spending programme. The move has resulted in Biffaward’s available funds being reduced to
around £5 million per annum.
Biffaward has taken this change as an opportunity to refine its Strategy for Giving to make Biffaward more effective in improving the UK’s environment and creating sustainable communities. The fund will aim to support innovative projects that provide safe and accessible community facilities that will act as mechanisms for recreation, life-long learning, healthy living, volunteering and community involvement.
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To make funding more accessible to small community groups and to support regionally or nationally significant projects, Biffaward has also made two additions to the fund.
The Small Grants Scheme aims to provide funding for smaller community groups within 10 miles of a Biffa operation, who are seeking funding between £250 and £5,000. Decisions on awards are made within eight to 12 weeks.
By introducing the Flagship category Biffaward hopes to support regionally or nationally significant voluntary sector led regeneration or biodiversity projects that will make a notable impact on the quality of life of the region. Projects that will have significant added value can apply under this scheme for grants between £150,000 and £500,000.
Martin Bettington, Chairman of Biffaward, said: “I am delighted to see Biffaward evolve in such a positive way. The principle of sustainability and sustainable development will remain at the heart of our strategy with specific focus on improving the quality of life and fostering vibrant communities. The two new additions to the scheme are designed with both the applicants and quality in mind. The flagship category will focus on delivering high value environmental projects and the small grants scheme will enable communities to help themselves – two core essentials of the LTCS.”