How to Get a Community Grant From YDMT for Nidderdale AONB Projects

Ever had a brilliant idea for your local area but thought, "how on earth would we pay for that?" Maybe it's a plan to tidy up a local green space for wildlife, or a project to help more people get out and enjoy the stunning scenery. Well, for community groups and organisations in and around Nidderdale, getting that idea off the ground just got a bit easier. The local charity, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), has just launched a new Community Grants scheme on 26 September 2025, and it’s all about providing support for projects that benefit the people, landscape, and wildlife of the Nidderdale AONB.

What kind of projects get support?

It’s one thing to hear about a grants scheme, but it’s another to see what it can actually do. Since 2023, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has already given grant support to over 125 projects across the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale. These projects have been all about helping nature and making it easier for people to get access to it.

An example is the Lime Tree Observatory. Thanks to a YDMT grant, this amazing place was able to build a brand-new classroom. This isn't just any old room; it’s a game-changer. Imagine trying to host a school trip when the classic British weather decides to turn against you. Before, it would have been a washout. Now, there’s a warm, dry space for kids to learn and eat.

Martin Whipp from the Lime Tree Observatory explained just how much of a difference this has made:

“This means that larger school groups can visit the nature reserve, stone circle, Iron-Age roundhouse and planetarium that are on site, safe in the knowledge that if the weather turns bad during their visits, there is a safe and dry place to study, learn or eat. This classroom has made a big difference to the CIC and has finished off the planetarium and classroom barn conversion project (started in 2020) perfectly.”

So, what's on offer?

This new grants scheme from the charity isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. YDMT knows that different organisations need different kinds of help. That's why there are two types of grants available, designed to provide flexible support for all sorts of community projects. The two types of grants are:

• Project Grants: This is the one for when you have a specific goal in mind. Think of it as funding for a particular 'thing'. This could be anything from restoring a patch of land to create a new habitat for local wildlife, to funding a project that gives groups of people who don't usually get the chance, access to the beautiful Nidderdale AONB landscape. These grants help turn a specific vision into reality.
• Unrestricted Grants: These are a bit different and incredibly useful for smaller organisations. Instead of funding a specific project, this grant can help with the day-to-day running costs. That means money for things like rent for your community building, insurance, or even travel expenses for dedicated staff and volunteers. It’s the kind of practical support that keeps great community work going.

When it comes to the money, the typical grant ranges from £1,000 to £5,000. But the great news is that there’s no strict maximum or minimum. If an organisation has a bigger project in mind, YDMT is happy to have a chat about it. The charity aims to have a couple of application windows each year, but their Grants Officer is available to talk to anytime.

Who can apply for a grant?

A lot of people and groups can throw their hat in the ring for one of these grants. The scheme is really open, which is brilliant for the whole community. Applications are welcomed from a whole host of different organisations and individuals who have ideas to improve the area. Here’s a quick look at who can apply:

• Public bodies
• Voluntary and community groups
• Social enterprises
• Charities
• Partnerships
• Young people
• Individuals
• Landowners, farmers, and businesses

The main rule is that the projects and organisations must be within the Nidderdale AONB, or at least very close to its border. For anyone wondering, an AONB is an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' – basically, a part of the country that’s so special and beautiful it’s protected. However, even if a project is based outside this specific area, it might still get a grant if it clearly provides big benefits to the landscape or the people who live there. It’s all about making a positive impact on this precious part of the Yorkshire Dales.

How do the applications work?

Sometimes, applying for funding can feel like a massive headache with endless forms. But YDMT is a small charity, and it gets it. The team has designed the process to be as simple and painless as possible. The main thing they look for in applications is how well a project helps deliver YDMT’s own strategic aims – which are all about protecting the people, landscape, and wildlife of the Nidderdale AONB. They also look for projects that offer good value for money. Mike Appleton, YDMT’s Grant Officer, put it perfectly:

“As a small and innovative charity, our new grants scheme aims to build partnerships with a diverse range of passionate people and communities to deliver projects that will help conserve and protect the people, landscape and wildlife of Nidderdale AONB. Our application process is designed to be simple and painless and is backed up by lots of support and advice to help applicants maximise the impact of their proposal.’’

This support from a dedicated officer can make all the difference. The scheme is open for applications now, and they can be sent in at any time. YDMT aims to make a decision within six weeks, which is pretty quick.

Is there any other help available?

On top of this fantastic community scheme, YDMT has also recently launched a separate Woodland Grant scheme. This one aims to support people and organisations wanting to create new native broadleaf woodlands, hedgerows, and plant landscape trees. This other scheme covers the National Park, Nidderdale, and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, showing the charity's wide-ranging commitment to improving the region's nature. This provides another avenue of support for those with green-fingered projects in mind. If an idea is bubbling away that could do something amazing for the people, landscape, or wildlife of this incredible area, it’s definitely worth looking into what YDMT has to offer. The charity is there to help community groups turn their brilliant ideas into a reality.