This programme is aimed at activity provided by voluntary and community groups that starts or continues to deliver environmental and community benefit to the Crane Valley area. The catchment area for the funding includes parts of Twickenham and the borders with Isleworth.

It’s part of Thames Water’s Smarter Water Catchments initiative and, with the Crane Valley Partnership, it recognises that grassroots, community, environment and conservation groups are uniquely placed to carry out works and projects which will bring a wide range of benefits.

The programme wants to benefit all communities in the Crane Valley area and, alongside physical works, elements such as education, awareness raising, research and development, organisational costs and feasibility are also supported.

The programme consists of a small grants Community Fund and larger grants Project Fund.

The Project Fund offers between £2,000 and £100,000 for projects that will help to deliver actions which are set out within the River Crane Smarter Water Catchment Plan and the updated plan. It may support a range of project types including:

• Feasibility
• Implementation and delivery
• Education and engagement
• Research and development.

The Community Fund offers grants of up to £2,000 to cover organisational costs such as field equipment, PPE, operational services and training, promotional material, site infrastructure and events. It will allow community groups and organisations in the area to start or to continue to deliver environmental and community benefits to the Crane Valley area and should help bridge the gap between community supporters and community practitioners.

A free information workshop will take place on Thursday 10 August 2023, 2pm – 3.30pm. Register here.

Applications can be submitted at any time up to the final deadline of 12 noon on 4 March 2024 but there are there are awarding points on 21 August 2023 and 20 November 2023.

For full details, visit Groundwork’s Crane Valley Grant Programme webpage.