Mid Devon District Council is launching a new Strategic Sustainability Grants (SSG) scheme designed to support local community organisations acting on sustainability, climate change, and nature recovery.

The new grant programme will provide seed and core funding to strengthen community-led organisations, helping them become more stable and sustainable, and grow partnerships to deliver practical action aligned with the Council’s priorities.

Councillor Natasha Bradshaw, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, said:

“Community organisations play a vital role responding to the climate and nature crisis. Our new Strategic Sustainability Grants scheme is about giving our local partners the stability they need to grow, collaborate and make a real difference on the ground for our residents and the environment.”

The Strategic Sustainability Grants scheme recognises that community groups are often best placed to engage residents, landowners and volunteers, trial innovative approaches and deliver lasting local change.

A total of £80,000 has been allocated to the scheme across the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years. Funding will typically contribute between 25% and 75% of costs, depending on the stage and needs of the organisation, with successful applicants expected to secure match funding or in-kind support alongside Council investment.

Detailed guidance and application criteria are available on the Council’s website, with eligibility focussing on Mid Devon community organisations responding to climate change and the ecological crisis, with a clear track record or strong potential to deliver impact locally.