Bat Group Support Fund

Background

The Bat Group Support Fund was established as a way for BCT to support small-scale practical bat conservation projects.

The Fund initially benefited from the profits from sales of bat goods through Phil Richardson's Batalogue. Funds have also been contributed over the years by Andrew McLeish's Alana Ecology Ecology and the Whitby Gothic Weekend.  In 2006, more than £3,500 was raised through generous donations to the Fund from BCT members.

Who can apply for funds?

 The Bat Group Support Fund accepts applications from Bat Groups in the UK . Applications from groups in Europe can also be considered where there is evidence of a critical need for bat conservation work. Bat Groups are unlikely to receive funding for more than one project in any calendar year.

What is the amount of funding available?

The Bat Group Support Fund provides grants of up to £400, though the average grant is £200-£300. Bursaries for the BCT National Conference are limited to a maximum of £200 (see below). Applicants are encouraged, wherever possible, to provide some matching contribution; .this could be in the form of cash or as an in-kind contribution such as volunteer time. Applicants will be expected to have a separate bank account into which the grant can be transferred. We also ask Bat Groups to provide evidence of their current finances.

What projects qualify for support?

There are no restrictions on the types of project that the Bat Group Support Fund will consider except that they should be of practical benefit to bat conservation. Recent awards

Examples of projects that could qualify for support are:

  •  Purchase of bat boxes for a bat box scheme;
  •  Practical measures to tackle problem roosts;
  •  Costs of installing a grille on an important hibernation site;
  •  Managing a woodland for the benefit of bats;
  •  Mitigation measures for a roost site;
  •  Building work to prevent the loss of an important roost;
  •  Providing equipment for survey work;
  •  Funding for a local educational leaflet;
  •  Hosting an educational event or training session.

The Bat Group Support Fund does not normally consider projects that are already underway, but grants can be used to provide seed money to help initiate a much larger project.

Bursaries for the BCT National Conference

It has been agreed that a proportion of the Bat Group Support Fund will be used to provide a small number of bursaries for attending the BCT National Conference. Applications for bursaries can only come from bat groups and not individuals. Bat groups can only make one application per year and there is an upper funding limit of £200. It is left to the group to decide how these bursaries are used.  

How do I apply?

Download an application form or contact BCT. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications electronically. Applicants are also encouraged to provide any additional documentation in support of their applications. In certain circumstances, BCT may ask for additional references relating to the application.

What is the deadline?

Applications will be accepted at any time during the calendar year. If a proposal is received after the funding for that financial year has been allocated, applicants will be asked if they would like the proposal carried over to the next financial year.

How are applications processed?

Once an application has been received by BCT it will be reviewed by a panel of three experts. Unless further information is needed in order for a decision to be made, applicants will normally be informed of the outcome of the review within 6 weeks of an application being received. Funds can be paid immediately after a grant has been agreed provided all necessary permissions to carry out the project have been obtained and the work can go ahead as detailed in the application.

What are the reporting requirements?

Within 1 month of the end of a project, applicants will need to provide a final report on how the grant has been spent. The report should outline the outcome of the project and how the objectives set out in the original application were achieved. In cases where a project is scheduled to last more than 6 months, a short interim report will also be required after 2 months, detailing progress against the project's objectives. BCT would also appreciate receiving photographs that it can use for publicity purposes.

Applicants will be expected to acknowledge the support of BCT in any publicity materials or reports relating to the project. BCT will provide a copy of their logo to be used.

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions about the Bat Group Support Fund contact Laura Dunne, the Bat Group Officer (Tel: 020 7501 3633)