How much is on offer? SNH says it will try to fund any project it feels is good enough. There is no formal budget for the scheme - the smallest award is £250, while some schemes have been granted as much as £2.9m.
What will it fund? The scheme will finance projects that promote natural heritage through community learning, and promote the use of school grounds - or youth club grounds - for environmental education. Grants will also be provided to produce teaching materials or for continuing professional development to help teachers and lecturers understand how to use natural heritage in their teaching. The scheme will also fund community-run projects that develop local biodiversity action plans.
Who can apply? Applications are welcome from community and voluntary groups, schools, local authorities, land managers, site managers, and groups representing countryside professionals in Scotland. However, due to rule changes, schools and local authorities will not be able to apply for funding after April 2009. The scheme will also consider applications from businesses that demonstrate "clear benefits to the public".
Who it has funded: Among the grants awarded by the scheme are £80,000 to Aberdeen City Council for a ranger service, £16,000 to the British Trust for Ornithology for a bird-monitoring project, and £2,000 to Dumfries and Galloway Council for a film festival.
How to apply: Application forms can be downloaded from www.snh.org.uk. Organisations without web access can write to SNH at Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW.
