Sustainable Development Fund

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) is a grant scheme that supports projects that bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the AONB. It aims to develop and test new methods of achieving a more sustainable way of life in this area of great beauty and diversity.

This year's Fund is approximately £50,000, for suitable projects that are completed by 31st March 2011. The Fund can provide grants to organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who wish to explore and develop practical projects that conserve, enhance and develop the environment, economy and way of life.


The Fund is administered by the AONB Unit, with technical support from the SDF Officer and Panel at the North York Moors National Park.

To view more details about the SDF, who can apply and what type of projects are eligible, please take a look at the Information Leaflet and Guidelines.

Applications for funding are scored against a set of sustainability criteria. We will do the scoring of your project, this is the sustainability criteria checklist that we will use.

The first stage in the application process is to submit a Project Ideas Form. If you think that your project might fit with the objectives of the Fund please complete this form and send it to Liz Bassindale at the AONB Unit or give her a ring to discuss your ideas.

It is likely that there will be an SDF available in the AONB in the financial year 2011-2012. The value of the Fund is yet to be finalised, but if you are developing a project then please contact us for further information or submit a Project Ideas Form.