Projects which will grow produce and involve the local community. Examples of activity might include creating a community allotment or raised vegetable beds in a school.
Projects which will support, enhance and celebrate valuable aspects of local culture and heritage including its roots and traditions, local buildings, local building techniques, local produce and local arts and crafts. Examples of activity might include estoring an historic building or museum or refurbishing workshops used to teach various arts and crafts techniques.
The B&Q One Planet Living (OPL) Grant®* offers between £50 and £250 of B&Q materials to schools, community groups and charitable organisations for long-term sustainable projects.
Projects must support at least one of the following themes...
Projects which will help contribute to the health of the planet through the reduction of energy use or an active effort to limit their environmental footprint. Examples of activity might include installing energy saving light bulbs and other energy efficient products such as loft insulation in a community centre or local charity's headquarters.
Projects which will support, protect and celebrate the natural habitats in local communities including community gardens, meadows, wetlands, chalk rivers and forests. Examples of activity might include encouraging wildlife to a community garden, providing tools for a woodland management group or installing bird boxes to attracting declining species of birds.
criteria
- Applications must be from a school, registered charitable organisation or other recognised community group, eg residents' association, youth centres, Scouts, Guides
- Projects can apply for funding between 1 February 2010 and 30 September 2010 and successful projects must collect their materials no later than 31 October 2010
- Projects must support at least one of the following themes: Save Energy, Conserve Nature, Support local culture & heritage, Grow your own
- The grant does not support applications from private individuals for private projects or for projects outside the UK or Ireland
- The project must be local to the store (within a 20-mile radius)
- The project must include the provision of access for disabled people
- There must be commitment of the applicants and the local community to the project, and evidence that the project will have long lasting benefits for those it touches
- The grant does not provide electrical/gas/petrol items for health and safety reasons
- The grant cannot be used for raffle prizes or to support one-off events
- Grants are dependent on available budget (allocated to stores every February) and meeting the above criteria, therefore not guaranteed. There are also busy trading times within the business when initiatives may not be supported
- Projects and store contacts are required to complete an evaluation form on completion of approved projects
how to apply
Step 1: Applicants need to contact the environmental champion or store manager at their local B&Q store to discuss project details. We recommend that you apply for a grant as far in advance as possible from your project start date as an application will usually take three to four weeks to process. We are unable to deal with enquires at our store support office.
Step 2: A letter, on headed paper, from the organisation is required. This should include details of the organisation and project, materials required, duration of the project and any involvement from the organisation and its aims and benefits. Photographs or plans of the project are optional.
Step 3: Once an application form has been completed by the store, and supporting material supplied by the project organiser, it will be sent to the store's regional office who will approve or decline the grant application.
what happens next?
If a grant application has been accepted, successful applicants will be informed by email or letter.
Applicants must then contact the store to arrange a convenient time to collect the goods requested. The project can then commence.
