There are currently 53 Community RePaint schemes. In its final stage of recruitment, SWAP is planning to enlist additional groups to take the number up to 90 by the end of 2004. At the moment, funding comes from Biffaward, ICI Dulux and the Social, Economic and Environmental Development (SEED) programme.
Long-term
SWAP will support the schemes for a further two years after 2004, but is looking for ways to make the programme financially stable long-term. Steve Ogden, a spokesperson for SWAP, told letsrecycle.com: “We are looking to improve links between the commercial sector and Community RePaint. Six of our biggest schemes are currently working closely with retailers.”
SWAP is hoping that stores producing lots of surplus paint, for example, from end of stock, will pay local Community RePaint schemes to take it, rather than pay for landfill or incineration. “We want to add a commercial element to cover costs,” said Mr Ogden, who stressed that the scheme will continue to be a non-profit venture.
At present, the 53 existing schemes are responsible for collecting unused paint from civic amenity sites and retailers, and then distributing it to community projects. A recent survey by SWAP, showed that 88,000 litres of paint worth 333,000 was distributed to over 4,350 projects by Community RePaint schemes in 2002 (see letsrecycle story).
Invitation
SWAP is inviting community groups to apply for funding under the combined Phases IV and V of its five year national expansion programme. This is the last opportunity for community groups to apply to become part of the network but Mr Ogden said that there is no deadline as last time groups found it difficult to keep to. “This year we are leaving it open for schemes to apply for funding,” he said.
SWAP’s aim is for each region of the country to be served by a Community RePaint scheme. This will allow everyone to donate their unused paint, and all worthy causes can apply to obtain paint.
Capital grants worth 3,000 are available for the successful candidates, as well as technical advice and practical support, training, and assistance with local promotion and publicity for the scheme.
For more information see www.communityrepaint.org.uk.
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