Time is running out for community and voluntary groups to apply for a share of a £130,000 fund set up to find the best ideas for reducing, recycling and reusing Merseyside and Halton’s waste.
The record sum announced by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) includes £110,000 to be split between approximately six ‘large scale’ projects – with each getting a grant significantly larger than anything the Authority has handed out before.
The fund, set up by MRWA with support from contractor Veolia Environmental Services, has already attracted interest from dozens of community and voluntary groups and will close to applications from 28th June.
Councillor Steve Munby, Liverpool City Council cabinet member for living environment and localism, said: “I would encourage groups to apply for this funding. It is a great opportunity for them to help make Liverpool greener , reduce waste and boost recycling.”
MWDA Deputy Chairperson Councillor Graham Morgan said: “We want applications from projects that can make real difference to levels of waste produced in communities around Merseyside.
“Any community organisation or voluntary group with a project which could fit the bill needs to submit an application by the 28th June deadline.”
More than 50 organisations and groups have so far expressed interest in the fund after attending a series of special events to learn more about criteria for successful bids. Applicants must be able to prove their idea works on a large scale and satisfy a list of ten criteria – including engaging residents, promoting economic growth and permanently changing consumer waste habits – to stand a chance of winning a share.
MRWA Chief Executive Carl Beer said: “We’ve deliberately set the bar higher this year because we are offering so much more money to successful organisations but we’re confident we will be able to attract some great projects.”
The Authority plans to select successful projects by the end of August 2013.
More information and application forms can be obtained from the MRWA website www.merseysidewda.gov.uk or by calling Tel: 0151 255 2577 or email: communityfund2013-14@merseysidewda.gov.uk
