A £2million Environmental Challenge Fund is now open for applications.

Grant awards of over £30,000 are on offer with the maximum amount of DAERA funding available under the competition normally being up to 85% of eligible project costs.

In launching the competition, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: "This funding means that the environmental work of organisations, many of whom have been hit hard financially during the pandemic, can be boosted as we move towards recovery from Covid-19. The passion of these organisations to improve our environment has not diminished and I have seen at first hand the levels of partnership working and volunteer enthusiasm within the sector. I have been highly impressed by the work that they do.

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"The Fund will help us to continue to deliver DAERA's strategic aims and those in the Programme for Government. It enables environmental ‘Not for Profit’ organisations to improve the condition of our habitats and species and build their resilience to climate change; support green growth and the preservation of our peatlands; improve the quality of fresh and coastal waters; enhance health and well-being through provision of access; and increase the understanding and appreciation and engagement with our environment."