The aim of the fund is to increase reuse by the community sector in North Yorkshire. To be eligible for the fund your organisation must be a charity or constituted community or voluntary organisation. Organisations and charities must deliver projects that meet one or more of the following objectives:

• To increase the amount and range of materials reused, by the community sector in York and North Yorkshire
• To increase the number of community groups and charities registered with the Third Party Recycling and/or Reuse Credit Schemes.
• To increase the capacity of community groups to reuse and raise awareness of reuse
• To encourage partnerships working between community groups, Local Authority and business

Community Reuse Fund projects

The Community Reuse Fund has provided financial support to community groups and charities already involved in reuse to improve existing projects and to those not traditionally involved in reuse with new and innovative ideas.

The fund has supported groups throughout York and North Yorkshire and the projects funded so far have been diverse and include a pilot project to collect, test and sell reusable electrical goods locally; the purchase of a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) machine and training two staff in its use; a project to collect reusable items from businesses across the region; a scheme to extend a bicycle reuse project into North Yorkshire and a publicity project to raise awareness of a reuse organisation so that more people donate good quality items.

Applying for a grant from the Community Reuse Fund

If you have a project idea you would like to discuss please contact the Community Waste Management Officer at North Yorkshire County Council. The maximum grant available from the Community Reuse Fund is £5,000 for capital or revenue expenses and the maximum project costs must not exceed £20,000. The maximum percentage the Community Reuse Fund will pay towards project costs will be 75%. Organisations have to raise at least 25% match funding towards project costs which must be in cash. To apply for a grant, please download an applicant letter, form and guidance below. The deadline for applications is 12 noon, 29 September 2010..