The Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) was set up to help local community and voluntary sector groups get involved in decision-making on a strategic level through Local Strategic Partnerships. The CEF provides £60m over 2001 06 to set up Community Empowerment Networks (CENs) in deprived districts.
For more information visit www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/ or telephone 0845 828383

English Nature champions the conservation of wildlife, geology and wild places in England. It is a Government agency funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It works with a wide range of partners and gives advice and grants to organisations involved with nature reserves or sites of special scientific interest. It produces a wide range of publications, many academic or scientific, and can provide assistance with research.

For more information visit www.english-nature.org.uk or telephone 01733 455101

This national charity is committed to helping citizens bring about change in their community, by funding practical assistance. The Scarman Trust aims to contribute to society by promoting a "can do" approach where active citizens can realise their potential. The Trust operates in partnership with a range of organisations and offers support, resource packs, awards and training.

For more information visit www.thescarmantrust.org or telephone 0207 689 6361

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme is administered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The scheme makes payments to farmers and other land managers to enhance and conserve English landscapes, their wildlife and history and to help people to enjoy them.

For more information visit www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/css/default.htm or telephone 08459 33 55 77

The Local Heritage Initiative helps communities bring their local heritage alive, by giving funds, advice and support. It is also collecting records and stories from the projects to create a national archive of England's local heritage. If you wish to investigate, explain or care for your local landscape, landmarks, traditions and culture you can apply for a grant of between £3,000 and £25,000. The scheme is administered by the Countryside Agency with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Nationwide Building Society. The £10m initiative currently covers England but similar schemes will soon be developed for communities in Scotland, Wales and possibly Northern Ireland.
Visit www.lhi.org.uk/index.html for more information on grants or support, or telephone 01242 521381