Forest invests £200,000 in social and environmental projects

London eBike operator Forest has launched a £200,000 annual investment fund aimed at supporting projects that deliver lasting social, environmental and economic benefits across the capital.

The fund will invest in organisations and projects that help make London “greener, healthier and more inclusive”, with funding focused on three pillars: Environmental, Social and Economic.

For the Environmental pillar, the fund will support projects that improve the natural environment, tackle air pollution and encourage biodiversity. Current and past initiatives include partnerships with charities and environmental organisations such as Air Aware Labs and Root & Shoot, which repurpose retired bike tyres into community playgrounds.

The Social pillar aims to help more Londoners access the benefits of cycling through cycle training and by unlocking opportunities for local communities through funding grassroots sport and community partnerships. This includes Forest’s Homegrown Wins programme supporting girls’ and women’s football, headline sponsorship of the Bikeability Trust’s Lost Generation research, and investment in adult cycle training to help riders improve their cycling skills and confidence so they feel safe on the roads.

The Economic pillar aims to improve access to affordable transport and create local opportunities through discounted riding schemes, such as the Friends of the Forest scheme, apprenticeships, free cycling minutes for charities and partnerships with local suppliers across the boroughs Forest serves.

Forest stated that charities, community groups, social enterprises and other eligible organisations operating within the boroughs where Forest runs its service are encouraged to apply.

Funding decisions will be made on an annual basis, with applications assessed according to their potential social, environmental or economic impact.

“The Forest Fund gives us a clear framework for investing where we believe we can have the greatest long-term impact – whether that’s helping more women and girls stay active, making cycling more accessible, improving London’s environment or supporting local communities,” said Laura Elms, VP Sustainability at Forest.