Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2024
Sponsored by Bunzl Plc
We're pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 Coastal Fountain Fund. It is the fourth year we have been enabled to run this fund.
The purpose of the fund is to reduce the impact of single-use plastic water bottles on coastal habitats by funding communities to purchase water drinking fountains and install them for use by the public in busy or environmentally important areas. So far we've funded over 30 fountains around the UK with more coming soon!
Grants of up to £2,500 are available, per applicant, towards the cost of a fountain.
We welcome applications from all types of not-for-profit organisations who have identified a need and are well-placed to get the stakeholder involvement needed to make the project a success. We particularly welcome applications from Wales, Scotland, East Anglia and Northeast and Northwest England as these areas have been under-represented in previous years.
The closing date for applications is 23rd February 2024.
How to apply for funding
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Please read the CFF Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria before applying. They'll help you decide if your proposed location is eligible and whether you're likely to be in a position to make a successful bid.
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We also suggest you read Refill's guidance for organisations and groups who are looking to install water fountains for the benefit of the community and the environment. There can be a few hoops to jump through in getting a fountain installed, and stakeholder engagement is key to deliverability - this guide will help you understand what's involved.
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We've produced a help guide by adding guidance notes to a version of the application form. It'll give you info and advice to help you write a successful application.
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Complete the Coastal Fountain Fund application form. Use the help guide and eligibility document to help you.
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Return the application form to info@sea-changers.org.uk. The closing date is 23rd February 2024. You will receive an acknowledgement of your application with details of timescales and what happens next.
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When the grant panel has made their final decision, we will write to you and inform you of the outcome of your application.
Top Tips from previous applicants
We asked previous applicants what advice they'd give to other organisations based on their experience applying for a grant and purchasing, installing and maintaining their fountain. The following are some of their key insights into what to do and think about before you apply.
“Be prepared for a few unanticipated costs! Try to allow some leeway in your budget, to cover anything unexpected that crops up in the installation process – for instance additional plumbing work or supplies.”
“Don’t forget about ongoing maintenance. Our fountain needed a repair, and we found it difficult to find a local plumber to replace a part. In the end, we took out a service plan with the fountain provider which covered the repair and twice-yearly maintenance visits.
“Remember that everything takes longer than you think! The more research and preparation you do before applying for a grant, the better your chances of success.”
“The support of our local Council has been crucial to the success of our project. The Council used their contractors to install the fountain and agreed to the ongoing maintenance as part of the regular checks of the toilet block where the fountain is situated. Getting the Council on side would be our number one top tip!”
“Try to simplify things as much as possible. Choose a site that already has a water supply if you can. Ideally, go for a location on Council owned land so that you’re not having to deal with a private landowner as well as the Council.”
“Are you sure a water meter can be fitted to monitor usage of the fountain? We didn’t realise this isn’t always possible. Remember to allow for costs of fitting a meter in your overall budget.’
Fountains we've funded
The map below shows the fountains we've funded since Bunzl first sponsored the Coastal Fountain Fund in 2020.
Click on a tap on the map to learn more about an individual fountain. Or click on the icon top-left in the grey bar to view a list of all funded fountains.