How Veolia Environmental Trust transformed grantmaking with Optimy
Veolia Environmental Trust
The Veolia Environmental Trust is a UK-registered charity that supports community and environmental projects across England through the Landfill Communities Fund — a UK government tax credit scheme allowing landfill operators to direct a portion of their tax liabilities toward impactful projects. Since 1997, the Trust has awarded over £106 million across 2,600 projects, providing grants ranging from £5,000 to £350,000. As a small team of six, they focus on robust due diligence, transparency, and sustainable change in the communities they serve.
Manual, paper-based processes straining a small team
Before adopting Optimy in 2016, the Trust faced substantial operational challenges. With over 200 applications annually and only a small team to manage them, manual processes were consuming critical resources.
- 200+ annual applications managed through paper-based, manual processes
- Slow data entry from physical forms, delaying decision-making
- Strict Landfill Communities Fund compliance requirements with no reliable digital system
- Knowledge concentrated in single individuals, creating operational fragility
Digital transformation through flexible, centralized management
In 2016, the Trust chose Optimy after positive recommendations from peer foundations and sector experts. The platform provided the flexibility and centralized data management they required.
- Digital application system: Eliminated paper files — applicants submit online, saving time and reducing errors with automated budget calculations.
- Centralized document management: Funding agreements and all project files stored securely in one place, accessible instantly by any team member.
- Bespoke funding streams: Easy setup of new restricted funds with specific criteria, such as geographical limitations from partner trusts.
- Impact measurement and reporting: Strategic goals around climate change, biodiversity, and community empowerment tracked with consistent, exportable data.
From weeks to hours — a fully transformed operation
Over ten years with Optimy, the Veolia Environmental Trust has dramatically improved efficiency, transparency, and scalability — enabling a team of six to manage a portfolio that would otherwise require a much larger operation.
£106M+ Grants awarded
Across 2,600+ projects since 1997
200+ Applications/year
Managed efficiently by a team of just six
Hours, Not weeks
(Time to send outcome letters, down from weeks)
10 yrs
Partnership (Ongoing and growing with Optimy since 2016)
The time saved with Optimy enables us to be more personable, tailoring our approach to the unique needs of each project, which has truly enhanced our relationships with applicants.
Executive Director
A team of six now manages over 200 grant applications per year with full transparency, compliance, and real-time data — at a scale that was previously impossible.
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