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Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Fund

The Scheme

The Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Fund provides grants to support the enhancement of City Council managed parks and open spaces.

Who can apply?

The fund is open to applications from ward members and community groups.  

Types of projects considered

Grants can be provided for:

  • the enhancement of infrastructure
  • additional facilities
  • environmental improvements
  • interpretation and information
  • enhanced access

Applications for projects related to sport or play facilities, or routine grounds maintenance, will not be considered. Grants will not be awarded retrospectively.

Please note some projects may require planning consent - for further information consult Gloucester City Council’s Development Management team (01452 396 396). If permission is required, consent should be secured before a grant application is made.

Grant limits

Each grant application will be considered on its merits. Generally, a single application should not exceed £3,000, but a larger project may be supported if it is considered that it will deliver exceptional benefit. Contributions towards larger projects in the form of match funding may also be considered.

Community groups will only be eligible to receive one grant during the lifetime of the scheme.

Grants are only available to support projects on City Council owned parks and open spaces. (see the current Open Spaces Strategy for location of parks and open spaces).  

Decision Process

Applications will be considered by a panel, which will meet on a six-weekly basis. Applications can be made at any time and will be reviewed at the next available panel meeting. Officers may request further information, or a site visit, if necessary. Applicants will be informed of the decision of the panel in writing. We will aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within six weeks.

Where a grant is awarded an acceptance form will be forwarded to the successful applicant for signing. No works should commence until the grant administrator has confirmed receipt of this completed acceptance form.

Payment

Payment will be normally be made to the applicant once the works are completed and invoices/evidence (e.g. photos) of the finished project have been submitted to the grant administrator. A site visit may be undertaken to inspect the completed works.

In some cases, it may be possible for the council to pay the supplier/contractor directly and this will be discussed/agreed with each applicant during the process. We will aim to make payments within 28 days. Payments will not be made to private accounts.

Should the applicant require the funding to be paid at the project outset (for example, for the purchase of materials etc.), they should make this known from the outset.

The applicant will be expected to ensure best value by obtaining three quotes for works which are to be carried out by an external contractor.

For more information email environment@gloucester.gov.uk