National educational charity, the Ernest Cook Trust, is investing in the future of outdoor learning in Swindon and Wiltshire, by offering a grant worth up to £60,000 for charitable and non-profit organisations committed to getting young people outdoors.
The grant – capped at £20,000 a year, spread across three years – will go towards funding the salary of an Outdoor Learning Leader, whose goal is to promote the benefits of getting outdoors to young people and their wider communities.
This round of the Outdoor Learning Leader Grant is open only to charitable and non-profit organisations in Leicestershire, Cumbria/Lancashire and Gloucestershire/Swindon/Wiltshire/Bath/Bristol – regions where the Ernest Cook Trust has its own land and/or Outdoor Learning Leaders.
“We know that inspirational role models are key to helping young people form lasting connections with the natural environment. This is why we prioritise charities and organisations whose approach is to encourage young people to enjoy the outdoors and engage with nature,” said Suzie Paton, the Trust’s Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships.
All Outdoor Learning Leaders will also have the chance to join the Trust’s existing network of Outdoor Learning Leaders, allowing them to share best practice, exchange ideas, and build professional skills with peers. Formerly known as Outdoor Learning Officers, the Trust has funded dozens of posts across the UK since launching the grant in 2020. More than £1.8 million has been allocated to date.
The Outdoor Learning Leader Grant is open to organisations based in postcode areas BB, CA, FY, LA, PR (Cumbria/Lancashire); BS, GL, SN (Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Bristol) and LE (Leicestershire).
Applications are open to charities and not-for-profit organisations. Projects focusing on supporting young people from underserved communities – including disadvantage for social, physical, economic or community reasons – are prioritised.
The deadline for registering an expression of interest is Friday October 31. For more information visit https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/everything-outdoors/outdoor-learning-officer-grant/.
Article by Jo Smyth, Word Worker
