Your Community Could Win Up to £25,000 For Regenerative Projects

Is your community working on a project that supports “environmental and social regeneration”? The Lush natural cosmetics company is accepting applicants for its 2017 Lush Spring Prize, which will award up to £200,000 to eco-communities and permaculture projects around the world. According to its website,

“For many years, environmental campaigners have focused on the idea of sustainability – that we should be creating systems which use resources at a sustainable rate. For some campaigners, thinking has now shifted towards the idea of regeneration. Many of our environments and societies are already damaged, so sustaining these in a damaged state makes no sense!”

This year’s awards will go to projects in 4 categories:

• Intentional projects are those less than a year old that are in need of funds for research and development
• Young projects have been around for 1-5 years and must have a “proven track record” of success
• Established projects must be 5 years along or more, and should be seeking funds for outreach and expanstion
• Influence awards are for organizations that advocate for regenerative solutions in the realm of policy or public opinion

Projects in all categories must submit their applications by February 28th, 2017. Those that make the short-list will be asked to include a video as well. The winning projects will be selected by a team of 7 judges in early spring 2017.

Want to submit or nominate a project? You can read more about the eligibility requirements and download an application form here. Projects can be based anywhere on the planet, and while animal agriculture is eligible, “priority will be given to organisations which encourage alternatives to animal consumption.”

The prize is co-sponsored Ethical Consumer, which will ensure that the winning organizations meet ethical and environmental standards. Please spread the word about the prize to any projects or communities you think would be a good fit!