Spring Newsletter
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HIEF Spring Update
It’s been a wet and cold start to the year for much of the Highlands and Islands – not enough to dampen spirits though, with a record number of groups applying for HIEF funding in our February grants round. The grassroots environmental movement continues to grow, with increasing awareness of the climate and biodiversity crises we are facing, and more opportunities than ever before for groups to bring about change in their local environment.
We are gearing up for an exciting couple of months. At the beginning of May, we will be hosting the Conservation Collective Global Gathering – a unique chance to connect with our global network of foundations and showcase the work we are doing here in Scotland.
There are a couple of opportunities to support HIEF this month, firstly through a Crowdfunder for Isle of Eigg Tree Nursery, and secondly through our annual Green Match Fund campaign. More on both of these below!
Best wishes,
Sally & Louis
Isle of Eigg Tree Nursery |
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| We are delighted to be supporting the Isle of Eigg Tree Nursery Crowdfunder. Until the end of April, donations are triple match funded by HIEF and Aviva Community Fund. This means that a £10 donation becomes £30!
The funds will support the Tree Nursery to ‘put down roots’ – supporting all aspects of their work, from growing saplings to hosting community events. If you would like to donate, head to the Crowdfunder page here or search ‘Eigg Tree Nursery Crowdfunder’. |
Economic analysis of salmon farming |
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Does the salmon farming provide as many jobs as it claims? This study, commisioned by Wild Fish and Scottish Inshore Fisheries Trust with support from HIEF, assessed the true economic contribution of the industry through a case study of Skye and Lochalsh. In summary, they find that “Headline estimates of the economic impacts of Scottish salmon exaggerate economic benefits by focussing on gross rather than net effects and disregarding counterfactuals.” “In Skye and Lochalsh, salmon farms are estimated to account for c.137 jobs. Of these, stakeholder testimony suggests that c.9% to 28% may not be net additions to local employment due to displacement effects.” For example, interviews with a range of stakeholders indicated that salmon farms displace other marine industries, such as mussel farming, low-impact fishing, and marine tourism. Read more here. |
Green Match Fund |
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Save the date for our Green Match Fund campaign. We have set ourselves an ambitious £20,000 target to raise funds for community-led projects that protect and restore nature. Thanks to match funding, every donation will be doubled by the Big Give. There will also be options to donate via bank transfer this year for the first time. Any support throughout this campaign would be much appreciated, and we will be back in touch on the 22nd with details on how to donate. |
Funding opportunities |
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There is an upcoming Expression of Interest deadline on 13th May, with a further grant round in September. More information is on the website. Those interested in a grant are strongly encouraged to read the HIEF Funding Guidance and get in touch with louis@hief.scot prior to applying. |
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If you are inspired to help support more projects like those featured in this newsletter and on our website, please visit our page here.
And if you would like to put in an application for funding, then please contact louis@hief.scot to discuss. Best wishes, |
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| The Conservation Collective comprises a global network of environmental, locally-focussed foundations dedicated to preserving, protecting and regenerating biodiverse ecosystems on land and below water, and to slowing down and adapting to the effects of climate change. |
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| Keep up to date on our projects via social media – Instagram is where you’ll find our most engaging content. Simply click the links below. |
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