Why are Veolia doing this?

It’s simple really – we want to help our local communities to connect with their environment and play an active part in preserving it. What better way to do this than by directly supporting local project ideas that encourage recycling, waste reduction and the reuse of materials - whether it's running swap shop events in your local community, turning empty water bottles into a greenhouse or giving workshops on how to upcycle old items!

What is up for grabs?

We want to support grass roots projects that get communities involved and make a real difference. We can give up to £1000 for any individual project that helps protect the environment and up to £2000 for any indidvidual project that has a positive impact on plastic waste. We have £50,000 available across London and Watford between now and the end of 2018.

We welcome applications from projects from across London but priority will be given to those based in the areas where we work with the Local Authority to deliver household recycling and waste services. These include the following boroughs:

• Brent
• Bromley
• Camden
• Croydon
• Haringey
• Kingston
• Lambeth
• Merton
• Richmond
• Southwark
• Sutton
• Westminster
• Watford

What else can Veolia offer?

When you apply to our fund, let us know if you think staff volunteers or resources such as waste or scrap materials, soil improver, composters or tools and equipment would be useful as we may be able to provide these in addition to cash funds.
 

If you have a project idea for the Veolia Crowdfunding Initiative, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Before you get started. Please take the time to read through the information we have provided about the kinds of projects we are looking for and who is eligible

2. Create your project page. You need to create a project page on Spacehive. This is your pitch for funding to everyone (us and the rest of the crowd). Use it to explain your vision clearly, get across your passion for your project, and show how it will have a positive impact on the area.

3. Pitch to funds. If you meet the criteria of our funding partners, you will have the opportunity to pitch for a pledge. Make sure you submit your pitch before applying for verification.

4. Get verified. Before you can start fundraising, your project details will be verified by an independent organisation - Locality.

5. Start fundraising. Get as many people as possible to show their support for your project by making a pledge - it doesn't matter whether they pledge £2 or £2,000. For us, the number of community backers you attract is as important as how much you raise.

6. Reach your target You must hit your crowdfunding target, before your deadline to secure all of your pledges from the crowd. This is an 'all-or-nothing' model.

7. Make it happen! Our team will be on hand to help you through this and offer support as you deliver your project.

Projects we want to support include;

• Projects that encourage people to think about their waste as a resource and help protect the local environment. This can be anything from swap shop events to repair workshops, community gardens made from reused or recycled materials to food growing and composting schemes, or even campaings to promote recycling at local events.
• Creative and innovative ideas which encourage people to recycle - from arts projects to burping bins
• Small, grass-roots projects that are getting people involved and making a big difference.

Please note...

Everything on Spacehive must be a project

A project is something with a clear end, like building a playground, planting a tree, or putting on a festival. A project will eventually be completed, and something tangible will be produced as a result.

Projects must be civic

Projects must have a civic value, meaning the benefit should be felt in the places we share, rather than our private homes and offices. Projects can be permanent (like a new greenhouse) or temporary (like an event) and they can include revenue as well as capital costs.