Noord-Brabant Allocates €250,000 for Local Nature and Water Projects
Noord-Brabant, Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
Noord-Brabant, with local partners, offers €250,000 for community nature projects. Applications open 7 January 2025, focusing on climate adaptation and biodiversity.
Community-Led Environmental Innovation
The Province of Noord-Brabant, in collaboration with local water boards and the Cultuurfonds Noord-Brabant, has launched a significant environmental initiative to support grassroots sustainability projects. The funding scheme will cover up to 60% of project costs, with a maximum allocation of €10,000 per project [1]. This initiative builds on a successful track record, with over 360 projects realized since 2016 [1].
Project Scope and Impact
The funding targets a diverse range of environmental improvements, including the creation of wadis, green roofs, and community gardens. According to Hagar Roijackers, Deputy for Nature and Environment, ‘Green projects make a crucial contribution to both sustainability and resident welfare’ [1]. The program demonstrates Noord-Brabant’s commitment to combining environmental stewardship with community engagement, as part of a broader €40 million annual investment in culture and nature initiatives across the Netherlands [1].
Application Process and Timeline
Following the rapid depletion of last year’s funding due to high demand, the new application window opens on January 7, 2025, and will remain open until November 3, 2025 [1]. The initiative aligns with broader European sustainability efforts, as evidenced by the increasing focus on environmental projects across the continent [2]. Additionally, a complementary ‘Schoolplein van de Toekomst’ (Schoolyard of the Future) scheme will begin accepting applications from April 1, 2025 [1].