Corporates With Educational Funding Programmes

I recently wrote to quite a few large corporations asking them if they ran any programmes or schemes which funded school initiatives (especially with the environment and sustainability in mind). I got a very encouraging response to this so I thought that I would share with you some of these schemes:

1) UK Power Networks – they have recently launched the Power Of Giving scheme, open to community projects within their network area (East of England, London and the South East) which improves the local environment, promotes energy efficiency or renewable energy and reduces demand on the electricity network.

Community groups can apply for between £1,000 and £10,000 per project. Fully details of the scheme, including eligibility criteria and application form, are available at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/community

2) Tesco Charity Trust – this offers donations of up to £4,000 to charities and not-for-profit organisations in the areas of children’s education and welfare. The funding provides practical benefits in Tesco’s local communities and last year the Trust donated almost £700,000 to local community charities. For further details, please visit www.tescoplc.com/tescocharitytrust

3) 02 Think Big – this company has recently launched Think Big to challenge young people to make positive changes in their community. If you think you have got a great idea, then they will help you get it going. You will receive support, training and funding to make it work. Visit www.02.co.uk/thinkbig or call the helpline 0800 90 20 250

4) National Grid – at a local level, they are particularly keen to support communities close to their operating sites or in areas where they are carrying out essential construction activity. Their “Bringing Energy to Life Programme” focuses on providing positive impacts for these neighbourhoods by funding projects run by community groups that can contribute to important local community needs and provide a range of social, economic and environmental benefits.

5) Southern Water – they currently run a Schools in Bloom competition to promote water efficiency and sustainability and also have a partnership with GaBi which supports environmental product design. In addition, they operate a Community Chest programme whereby schools and community groups can apply for small grants towards eco projects.

6) Wessex Water – this company has an extensive education programme and a Watermark grant scheme that helps schools develop environmental proposals; this is done in conjunction with the Conservation Foundation which is a national organisation.

7) Ecotricity – they run a Schools Partnership programme where they make a donation of up to £60 towards a school project/activity in return for each new customer you help them sign up. Please visit their website www.ecotricity.co.uk

Over to you!