There are two funding schemes:
- Climate Action Fund
- Sustainable Community Buildings.
Climate Action Fund
The Climate Action Fund is open to applications from organisations in formal partnerships, with ideas inspired by people’s everyday lives and interests, to help communities tackle climate change and be environmentally sustainable.
They want applications from those new to climate action, and are particularly interested in projects that involve people, places and communities experiencing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage.
The minimum amount awarded is £500,000, but they expect to fund most projects for between £1 million and £1.5 million over 3 to 5 years.
More information can be found on the Climate Action Fund webpages: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/climate-action-fund-our-shared-future#section-2
Sustainable Community Buildings
Sustainable Community Buildings helps organisations identify and make changes to their community building, to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on bills.
Groups will have the opportunity to complete free carbon literacy training and work with energy experts to develop environment plans, to identify how they can improve sustainability and save money. Grants of £50,000 are available to make improvements such as the installation of solar panels, energy efficient lighting or improve insulation.
More information can be found on the Sustainable Community Buildings webpages: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/sustainable-community-buildings
When to Apply
Applications will open from 11 September 2024 to 23 October 2024 for groups with community buildings in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council or Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.
Applications will open from 8 January 2025 to 19 February 2025 for organisations with community buildings in Belfast City Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area.
The programme was open for applications earlier this year for organisations in
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Mid Ulster District Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council and Armagh City and Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area.
Around 50 applicants have now completed accredited carbon literacy training and are identifying what they can do to reduce their carbon footprint, save money and improve their area.
As part of their strategy to 2030, It starts with community, The National Lottery Community Fund has a clear focus on funding groups that consider environmental sustainability.
The National Lottery Community Fund
Enquiries by phone on 028 9055 1455 or email on enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk