Funding for community-driven projects which address climate change while tackling energy challenges across the UK.

As part of its wider commitment to supporting climate action, National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) is delivering a new grant scheme which focuses on community energy projects across the UK.

There is a total funding pot of £10 million, which includes £1.5 million for a Learning Network. More information on this is expected in April 2023.

The Fund offers grants of £500,000 to £1.5 million over two to five years for place-based partnerships, UK-wide partnerships or single voluntary and community organisations.

Projects are required to do at least one of the following:

• Encourage people and communities to use energy in an environmentally friendly way.
• Bring communities together so that they can explore ways to promote energy efficiency.
• Enable communities to understand and engage with opportunities for clean energy generation, which do not use fossil fuels.

Grants can be used on project costs, revenue costs and some capital costs. It is expected that most funding will be for revenue.

There will online information sessions for interested applicants in the coming months. The link to register can be found on the NLCF website.

Stage 1 applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

 

How To Apply

There is a two-stage application process:

• Stage 1 applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Notifications are expected within six weeks.
• Stage 2 will require applicants to submit a full proposal. Final decisions are expected within four months.

The fund is expected to stay open until at least December 2023, depending on volume of interest.

There will be virtual information sessions on the following days:

• 21 March, 12:00 to 12:45
• 18 April, 12:00 to 12:45
• 16 May, 12:00 to 12:45
• 20 June, 12:00 – 12:45

Guidelines and an online application form can be found on the National Lottery Community Fund website.