Living In
How to apply for planning permission. Historic buildings and conservation areas, village management.
- Visitor Centres
Locations and contact details of our four visitor centres - Pedal Peak District
Route maps, bike hire and how to get fit for free - Guided Walks and Events
Free guided walks suitable for all and other events all year round - Getting here
Make use of the best public transport links for any National Park
Peak District Sustainable Development Fund
The Peak District Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) receives £200,000 per year from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The Fund was launched in 2002 and will continue until 2011 and hopefully beyond.
What can we fund?
SDF supports projects that bring “future friendly” environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits to the National Park
We would like to fund a range of projects, from the small and local to those that benefit the whole of the National Park. We are particularly interested in projects that help to reduce the impact of climate change and its effects on the Peak District” to “We would like to fund a range of projects, from the small and local to those that benefit the whole of the National Park. We are particularly interested in projects that help to reduce the extent of climate change, its impacts and its effects on the Peak District
Clear purpose
All projects must involve some form of sustainable development.
Projects must not adversely impact on either of the two National Park purposes and should in fact demonstrate that they help to meet at least one of these or the associated National Park duty:
- Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Peak District National Park.
- Promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the Peak District National Park’s special qualities.
While carrying out these purposes the Authority also has a "duty" to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of the communities within the National Park
How we assess applications (33KB) 
What can be funded?
We can fund
- Project materials, equipment and help to carry out the project
- Labour or contractors costs
- Publicity and marketing
- Feasibility studies
In some cases professional costs can also be funded.
Grant amounts
If applications are approved, grants are normally available of up to
- 75% for community and environmental projects
- 50% for business projects
You contribute the rest, out of your own funds or by getting other grants. Volunteer time can be included as part of your contribution to the costs.
Who can apply?
- Applicants can be from inside or outside the National Park, but the project should be linked to it in some way
- The Fund is open to any individual, group or partnership from the public, private or voluntary sectors
- Applicants should be able to demonstrate, where relevant, that they have community support and that opportunities for partnership working have been explored
How much can you apply for?
You can apply for grants of several hundred or several thousand pounds. In some cases, grants of tens of thousands of pounds can be considered.
This is a competitive process. Applications for grants of £1,500 and under are decided by National Park Authority Officers.
Applications for grants of over £1,500 are assessed by an Independent Panel made up of representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Grants of more that £20,000 have also to be approved by the National Park Authority.
Funding could be spread over more than one year, subject to Panel approval.
The Panel meet to consider applications four times per year. Click here for panel meeting dates and deadlines
Please note that grants are paid on completion of the project and by reimbursing actual expenditure on the project. For further information please see the SDF Grant Conditions. (70KB)
