Grants of up to £20,000 are on offer for projects across Greater Manchester pioneering innovative solutions to prevent waste and increase recycling.
In the last four years, the Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund has supported an incredible 89 projects with £880,000 of funding. Now in its fifth year, the scheme is back a new name: the Renew Community Fund.
With the new name comes a refreshed purpose. The fund is looking for projects that can help bring the Renew principles to communities across Greater Manchester.
Two different award categories for the fund are available:
All community, voluntary and faith groups, schools, colleges, universities, charities and other non-profit organisations are eligible to apply. Applications open at 12pm on Tuesday 22 April on the Renew Community Fund website, and close at 12pm on Friday 30 May.
Cllr Tom Ross, Greater Manchester lead for Waste and Recycling, said: “The Renew Community Fund aims to increase the number of projects providing repair and sharing services to make it easier to get your items repaired or to buy something second hand
“When we fix something, borrow something instead of buying it, or buy second hand instead of new, we’re keeping these items in use and saving precious resources. SUEZ has achieved this on an industrial scale at the Renew Hub and in doing so has raised £880,000 that has gone back into local communities.”
Like the Renew Hub in Trafford Park operated by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK projects should focus on activities that help to make fixing, donating, sharing, borrowing and buying pre-loved or second-hand items a normal part of everyday life.
Projects that have been awarded funding in previous years include the Manchester Library of Things in Levenshulme, where residents can borrow most types of power tools and household equipment rather than buying their own.
Other projects set up include bike repair, laptop repair, repair cafés, and school uniform redistribution services – which enable families to share school uniform to families in need. These projects are far-reaching, not only helping to reduce the amount of waste thrown away, but they also provide support for families in need, by giving them access to affordable bikes, laptops and clothes.
Claire Williams, Renew Manager from SUEZ, said: “We are proud that the Renew Community Fund will continue to support repair and reuse projects in the local community. The benefits are significant, not only in reducing what we throw away but providing more affordable household items for families and offering the opportunity to learn new repair skills and bring the community together. I’m looking forward to seeing the innovative projects applying for this year’s fund. Our vision is to see a repair café or sharing service like the library of things on every high street.”
