Marine litter refers to any solid, manufactured or processed material that enters the marine environment, either intentionally or unintentionally. It encompasses a wide range of materials, most commonly plastics, but also includes items like glass, metal, rubber, paper, textiles, and more. Marine litter can be broadly categorised as having two main sources: Land-based:
Note: 80% of marine litter comes from land sources so the grants are open to all Northern Ireland geographical areas. Sea-based: |
This grant is open to any organisation with responsibilities for managing free to access public open space, including:
Note that collaborative applications between two or more of the above categories are welcomed. To be eligible: Grants are available across the whole of Northern Ireland and are not restricted to coastal areas. However, the funding is specifically targeted at preventing marine litter. Therefore, applications must be able to demonstrate clearly how a project will contribute to reducing litter and plastics entering our seas. In this way, projects will help ensure good environmental status of our coastal and marine environments in relation to litter. Ultimately, this will ensure that the properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment. |
Financial support of between £500 and £40,000 will be available to constituted groups, businesses and statutory bodies meeting the eligibility criteria. Financial support of between £500 and £5,000 will be available to non-constituted groups. Note: that the average grant award is likely to be a lot less than the maximum, which will only be awarded for exceptionally innovative or strategically significant projects. Each applicant organisation can submit only one application with the exception that an applicant may also be named as a partner in a second collaborative bid. Each application will be judged on its own merit. Note: This is a competitive process; successful grant awards may be offered less than the maximum bid applied for. Are there any matching funding requirements? There is no requirement for applicants to obtain match funding for projects, however, there are two exceptions:
Council and business match funding must be for the purchase of capital items. Ongoing maintenance and servicing costs cannot form part of the match funding. Irrespective of applicant, projects that deliver a higher level of match funding than required, and/or in-kind expertise, volunteers etc. are strongly encouraged. |
The Marine Litter Capital Grants will support organisations and groups to purchase items to:
Please note: capital spending is money that is spent on investment, the purchase of assets or creation of something. For example, this could be equipment which will be of tangible use/benefit in providing services and meeting the objectives of the grant scheme for more than three years. |
This grant aims to support innovative projects that prevent marine litter and promote sustainable marine ecosystems. We encourage diverse stakeholders, including local councils, NGOs, businesses, community groups, and educational institutions, to collaborate and share their creative proposals. Some examples are detailed below:
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The primary focus of the Marine Litter Capital Grants is to equip organisations and people who manage public open spaces to reduce marine litter. While the items below may be part of your project, the Capital Grants will not fund these items:
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Proposed projects must meet one or more of the following objectives:
Applicants should note that projects do not need to meet all the objectives but applications should strongly indicate those objectives that are being met. Projects will be assessed in the following areas:
All items purchased through the Capital Grant must not be for personal gain. |
Each grantee will have specific Monitoring and Evaluation terms related to their project outlined in their Letter of Offer. These could include but are not limited to the following:
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Partial payment of Grants will be available and funding will be released upon confirmation that elements of the project are complete and grant claim documents are submitted. Ensuring value for money
Receipts/invoices and proof of expenditure must be submitted with ALL claims for ALL items purchased (evidence of online quotes will be accepted). Failure to comply may result in grant funding being withheld or withdrawn. Information about the online claim process will be circulated to successful projects during November 2023. Council and business applicants will be required to provide proof of the full expenditure in advance of the 50% payment being released. No advance payment is available. Where deemed necessary, applicants (excluding business and council applicants) may be able to claim 80% of funding upfront with the final 20% paid on receipt of a completed and satisfactory summary report. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and approved only where any relevant additional information has been supplied to Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. If you have any questions in connection with the grant, please contact us. |
Insurance It is your responsibility to ensure that all of your activities, including all assets purchased and installed, project materials etc. arising from this project are properly and fully insured for public, employee or any other liability. Landowner Permission It is your responsibility to ensure that all permissions, consents, legal requirements, etc. are complied with before you commence your project. |
Below are the important dates for the Capital Grants Scheme:
Application stage
Deadline
Fund opens
28th September 2023 (12.00 PM)
Fund closes
9th November 2023 (5.00PM)
Assessment completed and letter of offer sent
TBC
Projects completed and all financial claims submitted
24th March 2024
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The Marine Litter Capital Grants are being provided by the Department of
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Waste Prevention Policy Branch) and
is administered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
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Email: marinelittergrants@liveherelovehere.org Live Here Love Here is managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. |
All the above Marine Litter Capital Grant Guidance Notes are available as a PDF document for you to view and print.