The Derbyshire Environmental Trust Limited

Charity Number: 1115855

Annual Expenditure: £2.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £2,029,512 (total charitable expenditure)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified (applications reviewed annually)
  • Grant Range: £2,500 - £25,000
  • Geographic Focus: Derbyshire (within 10 miles of licensed landfill sites)

Contact Details

Primary Contact:

Pre-application Support:

Email with project postcode and brief description to confirm eligibility before receiving application pack.

Overview

The Derbyshire Environmental Trust Limited was established in 1997 to raise landfill funds for community and environmental projects across Derbyshire. Operating as a registered charity (1115855) and company limited by guarantee, the Trust serves as an Environmental Body under the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF), administering grants nationally for the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund and other landfill community schemes. With total charitable expenditure of over £2 million and income approaching £1 million annually, the Trust focuses exclusively on awarding grants to environmental bodies and community organizations. The charity is governed by nine trustees who receive no remuneration. The Trust has become a significant funder in the region, distributing substantial sums to projects that enhance environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and community spaces.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Derbyshire Environmental Trust Capital Funding Scheme

  • Amount: £2,500 - £20,000 (minimum £40,000 total available annually, though this can vary - £80,000 was available in 2023)
  • Application Method: Annual application round with fixed deadline (typically September/October)
  • Process: Email for eligibility check, then receive application pack

Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund

  • Amount: Grants up to £50,000 available
  • Application Method: Rolling basis through Derbyshire Environmental Trust
  • Geographic Requirement: Within 4-mile radius of Tarmac site or 10-mile radius of licensed landfill site

Priority Areas

The Trust particularly seeks community-led projects addressing:

  • Environmental sustainability and carbon reduction
  • Biodiversity enhancement and habitat restoration
  • Green energy generation and renewable energy
  • Community spaces including parks, recreation grounds, and amenities
  • Public access improvements to environmental sites
  • Projects in areas with higher levels of deprivation

What They Don't Fund

Geographic Exclusions:

  • Projects outside Derbyshire
  • Projects more than 10 miles from a licensed landfill site

Project Restrictions:

  • Projects that have already started (no retrospective funding under LCF regulations)
  • For-profit organizations
  • Projects reliant on fossil fuels where alternatives are available
  • Facilities restricted to specific user groups (unless open to general public)
  • Membership-based sports clubs with restrictive access
  • Energy-saving installations (solar panels, heating, lighting, double glazing) except where existing items are no longer serviceable
  • New building construction or extensions (building works, services connection, fixtures and fittings)
  • VAT recoverable by VAT-registered organizations
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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by a board of nine trustees who oversee the distribution of funds and strategic direction. The trustees receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity, ensuring all funds are directed toward charitable activities.

Key Personnel:

  • Trust Manager: Sarah Walton - responsible for day-to-day operations and application management

The Trust maintains strong governance standards with up-to-date charity reporting and no employees receiving benefits over £60,000. The organization operates with full transparency, publishing its activities and financial information through the Charity Commission.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Eligibility Check

  • Email det@derbyshire.gov.uk with:
  • Project postcode
  • Brief project description
  • Trust staff will confirm if project is within 10 miles of licensed landfill site

Step 2: Application Submission

  • If eligible, Trust provides application pack
  • Complete application form with required documentation:
  • Constitution
  • Details of elected officers
  • Bank account information
  • Project plans and budget

Step 3: Assessment

Applications assessed on:

  • Environmental impact and carbon reduction
  • Energy efficiency
  • Level of deprivation in project area
  • Community benefit and public access
  • Alignment with funding priorities

Decision Timeline

The Trust operates an annual funding round with applications typically closing in late September or early October. Specific decision timelines are not publicly stated, but applicants should allow several weeks to months for assessment and notification following the closing date.

Success Rates

Success rate statistics are not publicly available. However, with annual funding pools typically ranging from £40,000 to £80,000 and maximum grants of £20,000-£25,000, the Trust typically funds between 2-8 projects per annual round from their own capital scheme, plus additional projects through the Tarmac fund they administer.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated in public materials. Applicants should contact the Trust directly to discuss reapplication options if unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Recent Funded Projects

Hertford Heath Nature Reserve - Heathland Restoration (2022)

  • Amount: £12,000+ (Tarmac LCF)
  • Purpose: Restore two hectares of rare heathland habitat, address habitat decline, increase biodiversity

Welbeck Street Recreation Ground, Whitwell, Derbyshire

  • Amount: £94,341 (Tarmac LCF)
  • Purpose: Complete overhaul of 30-year-old recreation ground including play equipment for all ages/abilities, multi-use games area, and dog exercise area

Strategic Advice

Emphasize Environmental Impact:

The Trust gives significant weight to projects demonstrating carbon reduction and energy efficiency. Clearly articulate how your project contributes to environmental sustainability.

Avoid Fossil Fuel Dependency:

The application guidance explicitly states: “The Trust has a preference not to support projects reliant on fossil fuels where alternatives are an option.” Demonstrate you've considered renewable or low-carbon alternatives.

Address Deprivation:

Projects in areas with higher levels of deprivation receive favorable consideration. Use Index of Multiple Deprivation data to strengthen your case if applicable.

Ensure Public Access:

Projects must be open to the general public. Clearly describe how the community will access and benefit from the project without undue restrictions.

Start Before You Start:

Projects cannot have already commenced. Ensure you apply before any work begins, as retrospective funding is not permitted under Landfill Communities Fund regulations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Check geography first: Contact the Trust with your postcode before investing time in a full application - the 10-mile radius requirement is strictly enforced
  • Lead with environmental credentials: Carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and biodiversity enhancement are key assessment criteria - make these central to your application narrative
  • Demonstrate community leadership: The Trust specifically seeks “community-led” projects - show meaningful community involvement in project design and governance
  • Apply early in project planning: With annual deadlines typically in September/October and no retrospective funding, plan well ahead
  • Consider scale carefully: With grants ranging £2,500-£25,000 and limited total funding available, pitch projects that fit the funding envelope rather than partial funding for larger schemes
  • Leverage deprivation data: If your project serves a deprived area, include relevant IMD statistics to strengthen your application
  • Avoid fossil fuels: Renewable and low-carbon approaches are strongly preferred - this is explicitly stated in guidance materials

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