<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis fantastic initiative offers grants to community partnerships working on projects that tackle climate change. Even so, the groups don't necessarily have to be environmental<\/em> in nature to obtain funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt's all about engagement in community-led climate action, and that's the most important factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Who Can Apply? <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Climate Action Fund is open to a broad range of community groups! As we already said, you don't necessarily need to be a pre-established environmental organisation. In fact, the fund particularly welcomes applications from: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nConstituted groups and clubs<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\nVoluntary and community organisations<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\nRegistered charities<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\nLocal authorities<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nCharitable incorporated organisations (SCIO\/CIO)<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\nCommunity interest companies* (CIC)<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe key is to demonstrate a strong partnership<\/strong> approach. The National Lottery Community Fund encourages collaborations between different sectors, bringing together the expertise and reach of various organisations for a more significant impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n*<\/strong>A Community Interest Company (CIC) is a special type of limited company in the UK designed to benefit the community rather than maximise shareholder profits. It's a popular option for social enterprises that want to operate with a business structure but prioritise social good.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>What Are The Funding Criteria? <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Climate Action Fund prioritises community energy projects that: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nEngage communities -<\/strong> The project should involve and inspire a broad range of people (and young people in particular) to take climate action. This could involve linking climate action to everyday activities or sparking regional or national change. <\/li>\n\n\n\nEducation - <\/strong>Enlighten people as to the facts about the current climate emergency and teach them how they can contribute to a greener future with simple measures an LED upgrade or voltage optimiser.<\/li>\n\n\n\nFocus on partnership - <\/strong>Working collaboratively with other organisations from different sectors is essential. This ensures a well-rounded approach and broader reach. <\/li>\n\n\n\nAddress disadvantage -<\/strong> Projects that particularly benefit communities and vulnerable groups facing poverty, health problems, discrimination, or disadvantage are highly valued. <\/li>\n\n\n\nDemonstrate expertise - <\/strong>While a strong climate focus isn't mandatory for the lead applicant, at least one partner should have experience in climate or environmental work. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nPlease note that the Climate Action Fund website has strict rules about funding projects. A full list of these can be found here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, here's a clue as to who can't<\/em><\/strong> apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nSole Traders -<\/strong> Individual businesses run by one person aren't eligible.<\/li>\n\n\n\nProfit-Distributing Organisations -<\/strong> Companies that pay out profits to directors, shareholders, or members (like standard limited companies) can't apply directly. However, they can potentially be involved in a project as a partner if the lead applicant is eligible.<\/li>\n\n\n\nOrganisations Outside the UK - <\/strong>The fund is specifically for projects within the UK.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>How Much Funding Is Available? <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Climate Action Fund offers grants ranging from \u00a3500,000<\/strong> (the minimum grant amount) to \u00a31.5 million<\/strong>, supporting projects over a period of two to five years. Project developers can also apply for smaller grants of \u00a350,000 to \u00a3150,000, with the possibility of securing further funding later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What Can You Use The Funds For?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe National Lottery Community Fund's Climate Action Fund offers grants that can be used for a variety of purposes to support your community's climate action project. Here's a breakdown of what you can spend the funds on: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Project Costs <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThis covers the core activities and expenses directly related to your project's goals. It could include things like materials for workshops, equipment rentals for community gardens, or travel expenses for project staff attending conferences. <\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/span>Staff Costs <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nSalaries and associated costs for staff directly involved in running the project are eligible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Volunteer Expenses <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nExpenses incurred to support volunteers, such as travel allowances or refreshments for volunteer meetings, can be covered. <\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/span>Engagement Activities <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThis covers initiatives that get your community involved, such as public awareness campaigns, educational workshops, or community consultations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Learning And Evaluation <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe fund recognises the importance of assessing your project's impact. Funds can be used for evaluation activities and sharing your learnings with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Communications And Campaigns <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nSpreading the word about your project's goals and achievements is crucial. Funding can support creating promotional materials or running social media campaigns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Utilities Or Running Costs <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThis covers the everyday operational expenses needed to keep your project running, such as rent for meeting spaces or internet bills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Organisational Development And Management Costs <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nFunds can be used for activities that strengthen your organisation's capacity to deliver the project effectively. This might include training for staff or developing project management tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Limited Capital Costs <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWhile the fund primarily focuses on revenue costs for running the project, there's some flexibility for capital expenditure. This could involve buying essential equipment for your project, like tools for a community renewable energy initiative or seeds and saplings for a community tree-planting project. However, there are restrictions on the amount and type of capital expenditure allowed, so be sure to check the National Lottery Community Fund website for details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>The Application Process<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe entire process can take up to six months for most projects, as the organisers are often overwhelmed with applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It's best to start by checking out the terms and conditions to see if your particular group is eligible. Once you have completed the initial application form, the National Lottery Community Fund officials will contact you within six weeks to let you know if you can proceed to the next stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You'll then need to provide the full proposal for their consideration (they allow you six weeks to prepare and send this). It can take a few more weeks after this for the NLCF to advise you whether your bid has been successful or not.<\/p>\n\n\n
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