The Sustainability Fund reopened on World Environment Day (5 June) following the Fund’s biggest year yet in 2025 with six grassroots projects given £5,000 funding in Southwark.
Veolia’s Sustainability Fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, community groups, or individuals in areas where the company delivers recycling and waste treatment services for the community. Up to £1,000 in funding is available per project and applicants can opt to request in-kind resources or volunteers to help bring your project to life.
Easy Step is an example of a previously successful recipient of the Fund. They received £1,000 in 2025 for their ‘Clean and Connect’ program. These sessions engage young migrants who are learning English to also learn about and take part in environmental projects.
The Sustainability Fund welcomes applications from a wide range of environmental and social projects. Projects should meet at least one of the following criteria:
Enhances biodiversity
Promotes sustainable waste behaviours
Protects the environment by using recycled, reused or reclaimed materials.
Strengthens and connects local communities, including but not limited to employment support programmes, rehabilitation projects and youth development initiatives
All projects will be assessed on merit, with particular recognition given to those that demonstrate long-term or ongoing community benefits.
Applications can be made via Veolia’s website at veolia.co.uk/Sustainability-Fund. The fund will be open for applications until Wednesday 30 September.
Pascal Hauret, Managing Director, Municipal at Veolia, said: “The Sustainability Fund has been connecting people to their local environment and to the communities around them since 2021. Over the past six years, we’ve been proud to support over 640 incredible projects with more than £514,000 in funding across the areas where we deliver essential recycling and waste services on behalf of our Local Authority partners.
“We have seen first-hand the real connections built and the lasting impact the Fund makes to both people and the planet. I’m thrilled that the Fund is now open for applications and I look forward to discovering even more inspiring projects and seeing the positive change they’ll bring to local communities across the UK.”
Cllr Lina Usma, Deputy Executive Member for Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector said: “The Sustainability Fund in partnership between Veolia and Southwark is a great way to encourage both innovation and action for the benefit of the environment around us.
“The projects funded will not only make a tangible impact in Southwark for our local environment, but may also provide a blueprint for creative ways of promoting sustainability and tackling waste far beyond our borough.”
