Green Influencers Scheme
The Green Influencers Scheme was borne out of a desire to help young people realise their potential to positively impact the environment through youth social action. Our Green Influencers learn new skills and gain experience and confidence. Their projects benefit communities while helping them create lasting and meaningful connections with the natural environment.
How It Works
The scheme funds 40 Green Mentor posts based in Host Organisations across England until January 2023, supporting groups of young people in their environmental social action projects.
I find it so valuable that a project such as this which is set up for young people, has a board of young people at the very centre of it helping to make decisions.Esther, Youth Advisory Board member
The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department of Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) are each investing £25 million seed funding to create the #iwill Fund. The Ernest Cook Trust is acting as a match funder and awarding grants on behalf of the #iwill Fund.
Grant Funding is given to eligible charities and non-profit organisations. These ‘Host Organisations’ employ Green Mentors to recruit, support and oversee groups of Green Influencers within their community. Green influencers devise, develop and implement environmental social action projects, with access to further funding.
How much Grant Funding will each Host Organisation receive?
The Scheme funds up to £15,000 per year (around 50% of a Green Mentor’s full time salary, including on-costs) plus £3,000 for Host Organisation administrative costs.
The Social Action ‘Habit’
The Green Influencers Scheme aims to make environmental social action a regular, habitual part of young people’s lives
No other generation on this planet has the same sense of urgency as ours. No other generation has the need to express the same concerns, demands and pressures we feel.Tian, Youth Advisory Board member
By enabling them to make a real difference to their environment, a connection to the natural world is forged together with a sense of responsibility to protect and sustain it through a lifetime of continued social action.
The ripple-effect of the scheme will continue to positively impact communities as Green Influencers become ambassadors for environmental social action, making it a regular, life-long habit.
With independent monitoring and evaluation of all projects to measure their effectiveness, quality and impact, we believe the scheme will become a catalyst for ongoing, sustained social action. Young people are empowered to make a positive difference in their communities and the natural environment for years to come.
Environmental Action Now
We are delighted that the Green Influencers Scheme is now at full capacity for its inaugural three years, with 37 Host Organisations working alongside 40 Green Mentors and a new generation of Green Influencers across the nation. Find out more about the Green Influencer Host Organisations here.
It’s our different experiences and opinions that, when all collated together, make for an unstoppable force leading the Green Influencers Scheme.Lorna, Youth Advisory Board member
We invite you to watch this video from the #iwill campaign about youth social action. It encapsulates the power and influence of young people when empowered through #iwill programmes, and is the youth led ambition that can be achieved through our match funded #iwill project, the Green Influencers Scheme.
Interested?
The youth voice is one of the most powerful forces on the planet.Amy Meek, co-founder of Kids Against Plastic, GIS Conference Speaker 2021
We know that most young people want to take part in youth social action, but only 4 in 10 actually do. This figure is even lower in disadvantaged communities where young people are less able to access the many benefits that social action provides, so their communities don’t enjoy the full benefit of their talent, energy and ideas.
Most young people just need to be given the opportunity to take part.
So if you’re a Registered Charity or Non-Profit organisation in a disadvantaged community in England, click on the links below to contact us, or for more information about the scheme and your eligibility.
If you are, or you know of any young people aged 10-14 years who are keen to get involved in environmental social action, click on the map link above to find your nearest Green Mentor, or email us for more information.
Green Influencers Scheme Project Team
Robyn, Helena & Suzie
Becoming a Host Organisation
Applications are currently closed. Please contact us if you are interested in being a future Host Organisation.
The Green Influencers Scheme 1st Annual Conference
Our inaugural Conference for environmental youth and community workers in March was a resounding success. Thanks to all the speakers and delegates for your participation. Access videos and resources from the day via this link.
Calling all Green Mentors
Because you are crucial to the success of the Green Influencers Scheme, we have compiled a library of really useful material to ensure you get the the best from your Green Influencers and they get the best from you.
Youth Social Action networks
As the scheme grows, regional networks of Green Mentors and Green Influencers are being established across the UK. This vibrant community provides a place to celebrate successes, share ideas, best practice and specialist knowledge.
Stay in touch with the latest news and events:
Together, we’re making a real and long-term positive contribution to our communities and the environment
