Vp Plc Conservation Funding Programme

Charity Number: CUSTOM_AED8AF21

Annual Expenditure: £0.1M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £100,000
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (employee-selected, not open application)
  • Decision Time: Annual cycle
  • Grant Range: Varies (mix of major projects and smaller grants)
  • Geographic Focus: UK-wide conservation projects

Contact Details

Website: https://www.vpplc.com/esg-and-governance/our-environment/

ESG Information: https://www.vpplc.com/esg

Headquarters: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Note: VP plc does not operate a public application process for conservation grants

Overview

VP plc, established in 1954, is a UK-based equipment rental specialist operating through seven divisions including Airpac Rentals, Brandon Hire Station, ESS, Groundforce, TPA, Torrent Trackside, and UK Forks. The company has operated a conservation funding programme for four consecutive years (as of 2024), annually distributing £100,000 to UK-based environmental projects. Unlike traditional charitable foundations, VP plc's conservation funding is employee-driven: over 10% of their workforce participates in an annual survey to select which conservation projects receive support. The company's ESG strategy focuses on three pillars - People, Planet, and Places - and has achieved Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation for their net-zero emissions targets. VP plc views sustainability as driving innovation and developing new solutions that maintain competitive advantage.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Annual Conservation Funding - £100,000

  • Four major projects receive the majority of funding (employee-selected)
  • Remaining balance allocated to smaller grants for previously committed projects
  • Selection method: Internal employee survey (no public application process)

Priority Areas

VP plc's conservation funding focuses on:

Ecosystem Restoration & Rewilding

  • Rewilding projects (Scottish Highlands, bison reintroduction in Kent)
  • Kelp forest recovery (Sussex coast)
  • Peatland restoration (Lancashire)
  • Wildflower meadow management

Reintroduction Projects

  • Beaver reintroduction (Nottinghamshire - supported campaign to raise £250k)
  • European bison (Kent Wildlife Trust - first in UK for 6,000+ years)
  • White-tailed eagles (Wales)

Natural Climate Solutions

  • Natural flood management schemes (Sheffield)
  • Sand dune restoration (Fylde, Lancashire)

Biodiversity & Habitat Protection

  • Unique UK ecosystems: sand dunes, peat bogs, wildflower meadows, farmland, rivers
  • Marine conservation (kelp recovery)

Geographic Focus

Projects have been supported across the UK including:

  • Scotland (Highland rewilding)
  • England - Kent, Sussex, Lancashire, Sheffield, Nottinghamshire
  • Wales (white-tailed eagle projects)

What They Don't Fund

Based on available information, VP plc's conservation funding appears focused exclusively on:

  • UK-based projects only
  • Environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration
  • Does not appear to fund: social welfare, arts, education, health, or international projects
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Governance and Leadership

VP plc operates as a public limited company (Company Number 00481833) with a corporate ESG framework overseen by the VP Social Value Group. The company launched this group specifically to develop their Social Strategy for delivery in FY 2025/26, focusing on social mobility and social impact.

The company's sustainability programme manager has stated: "We've sponsored many projects around the UK where we really try to highlight many of our unique ecosystems such as sand dunes, peat bogs, wildflower meadows, our farmland, and our rivers."

VP plc's conservation approach emphasizes employee engagement, with participation from over 10% of the workforce in selecting which projects receive annual funding - demonstrating a democratic, grassroots approach to corporate philanthropy.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

VP plc does not operate a public application process for conservation grants.

Conservation projects are selected through an internal employee survey process, with over 10% of VP plc's workforce voting annually on which projects to support. This is not an open grant programme that accepts applications from external organizations.

Decision Timeline

Annual Cycle: Conservation funding decisions are made once per year through the employee survey process. Projects selected receive funding commitments that may extend beyond a single year, with the company noting that “the balance is being divided into smaller grants for projects which they have committed to funding previously.”

Application Success Factors

Understanding VP plc's Selection Approach

While there is no public application process, understanding what projects have resonated with VP plc employees and leadership can provide insight:

Projects That Have Received Support:

  • High-profile, ambitious rewilding initiatives (bison reintroduction, beaver reintroduction)
  • Projects highlighting unique UK ecosystems
  • Partnerships with established conservation organizations (Kent Wildlife Trust, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Sussex Kelp Recovery Project)
  • Nature-based solutions addressing climate challenges (natural flood management, peatland restoration)
  • Projects with clear conservation impact and public engagement potential

Employee Appeal Factors:

Given the employee-driven selection, successful projects appear to have:

  • Clear conservation objectives with tangible outcomes
  • Charismatic species or ecosystems (beavers, bison, kelp forests)
  • Regional diversity across the UK
  • Innovative approaches to ecosystem restoration
  • Strong scientific basis and credible conservation partners

VP plc's Stated Interests:

The company emphasizes “making a meaningful, lasting difference” through their community engagement and specifically highlights their interest in “unique ecosystems” including sand dunes, peat bogs, wildflower meadows, farmland, and rivers.

Building Visibility

Organizations seeking to potentially benefit from VP plc's conservation funding should consider:

  1. Partnership with credible organizations: All identified funded projects involved established wildlife trusts or conservation bodies
  2. Regional presence: VP plc operates nationally through multiple divisions - projects in areas where they have operational presence may have higher employee awareness
  3. Media visibility: High-profile projects (like the bison and beaver reintroductions) that generate positive media coverage appear to attract support
  4. Innovation: Projects using nature-based solutions or pioneering approaches to conservation challenges
  5. Employee connection: Projects that employees can connect with emotionally or intellectually

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Not a traditional funder: VP plc operates employee-selected conservation funding, not an open grant programme - understanding this distinction is critical
  • £100k annual commitment: Four consecutive years demonstrates sustained commitment to conservation funding
  • Employee-driven selection: Over 10% of workforce votes on projects - think about what would appeal to employees of an equipment rental company
  • Major project focus: Recent selections include ambitious, high-profile rewilding and ecosystem restoration initiatives
  • Established partners: All identified funded projects involved credible conservation organizations (Wildlife Trusts, established conservation charities)
  • UK ecosystems emphasis: Strong focus on highlighting unique UK habitats and species reintroduction projects
  • Multi-year relationships: VP plc commits to ongoing support for previously funded projects, suggesting they value long-term partnerships
  • No application mechanism: Organizations cannot directly apply - visibility and credibility within the conservation sector is key

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