Encounter Eden is very grateful for the support of The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund is open to individuals, businesses, community groups or voluntary sector bodies. It provides an accessible source of money for a range of projects that result in positive benefits for the National Park’s environment, economy and communities, while enhancing and conserving local culture, wildlife and landscape.

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) is an annual fund of £140,000 that supports projects that promote a more sustainable way of living and working in and visiting the National Park, whilst conserving and enhancing our local culture, wildlife, landscape and communities.

For more details, please go to www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/sdf

Facts and Figures

The Sustainable Development Fund:

  • is now in its 15th year of operation
  • has given out nearly £2.3 million to 272 projects so far
  • is open to everyone including community groups, businesses and individuals and offers money either to kick-start a project or to develop it for the good of the local community and the National Park
  • gave out just over £140,000 in 2015-16, supporting 32 projects

What types of project are given grants?

Projects can be far-ranging. They could include recycling, low carbon and renewable energy schemes, green tourism projects, promotion of public accessibility and educational opportunities, or local craft, heritage and wildlife initiatives. Grants can be used to support community, voluntary and business projects alike.