July 20th, 2023
Ecological Restoration Fund Grant: A Milestone for Our Cause
We are delighted to share that the Ecological Restoration Fund (ERF) has pledged their support to us through a generous grant of £150,000 over three years. This is a new and exciting relationship with an enlightened and forward-thinking funder. And for ELF, a new chapter in our journey towards safeguarding our planet and strengthening environmental justice in the UK.
Here at ELF, we are moved by the trust that ERF has placed in us and our mission. This support amplifies our ability to serve UK communities and the environment. As the only charity in the UK providing free legal advice to communities facing environmental challenges, this support from ERF is significant.
ERF’s dedication to a more sustainable future, their commitment to revitalise degraded landscapes, to see nature flourish through restoration projects and their fervour for nurturing socio-cultural opportunities echo strongly with us at ELF. Their backing empowers us to make a more profound difference, fortifying our position in the UK restoration movement.
Funding Impact – Elevating ELF’s Potential
Every year, ELF responds to around 300 enquiries from communities distressed by environmental threats with advice and support. We receive enquiries from many desperate communities on many complex and procedural matters. From complicated pollution cases to the loss of Local Wildlife Sites, our Advice & Referral Service tackles a wide spectrum of environmental issues. This puts a lot of pressure on our small executive team. This funding will not only create capacity in the legal in-house team but will allow us to provide deeper and more meaningful support to these communities and provide us with the resources to focus on widening our organisation’s reach and impact. With ERF’s backing, we can extend our reach, sharpen our focus on strategy, and boost our impact.
Moreover, the funding from ERF fuels our ambition to illuminate and put forward frameworks such as the Rights of Nature, a promising facet of earth jurisprudence, empowering communities to champion these rights through decision-making processes. We aim to equip communities and public authorities with the necessary knowledge and tools to seek to recognise the Rights of Nature.
A New Dawn
The support from ERF allows us to map out a promising future for ELF. Their generous funding enhances our capacity to respond to pressing environmental issues and propels our strategic initiatives forward. From empowering communities via legal education, advocating for robust ecosystems through policy reform, to pioneering research for evidence-based advocacy - ERF’s grant lays the groundwork for a louder, more powerful ELF voice in environmental justice.
ERF’s faith in us goes beyond a simple endorsement; it reflects our shared values and aspirations. Their support renews our energy and serves as a beacon of hope for the communities we serve, reminding us all of the transformative potential of unity and collaboration.
The Path Forward - An Open Invitation
While we are deeply thankful for the Ecological Restoration Fund’s substantial grant, the road to environmental justice and conservation remains steep and winding. As the climate and biodiversity crises intensify, so does the demand for our services.
Support, sponsorships, and the combined efforts of individuals and organisations are vital to amplify our impact and remain steadfast in our mission.
For those who share our vision of a greener, more equitable world, we warmly invite you to join us. Your contribution, be it financial, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness about our cause, can make a real difference. Every effort, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to our shared goal.
Our ambition is to cultivate an environment where nature is restored and thrives, communities are empowered, and environmental justice is upheld. Your support, in any form, propels us forward and breathes life into our mission.
Consider donating to help us continue fighting for environmental rights.
The work that we do is powered by people like you. If you’d like to support us, as we help grassroots organisations fight for environmental justice, you can do so by donating here.