A £150,000 fund has been opened to applications from not-for-profit organisations looking to deliver community-based carbon reduction projects in Suffolk.
The Suffolk Climate Action Community Match Fund will be provided by the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group as part of its work to address the climate emergency.
The new fund is available to charities, community interest companies, parish councils, voluntary groups and other not-for-profit organisations whose projects contribute to Suffolk’s Climate Emergency Plan and support our vision for Suffolk to become carbon neutral by 2030.
The projects funded could include improving the energy efficiency of buildings, promoting walking and cycling, using sustainable/recycled materials, or raising awareness of climate change through events, among others.
The fund will support up to 50% of costs (up to a maximum of £10,000) for projects that can demonstrate support from others in the community in the form of contributions from multiple other sponsors for the remaining project costs.
Community fundraising platforms online can be a great way of promoting a project and drawing in donations from sponsors; once sufficient community sponsorship has been raised, a full application to the Match Funder scheme can then be submitted.
Cllr Andy Drummond, Chair of the Suffolk Environment Cabinet Members group, said:
“I’m thrilled that with the launch of the Suffolk Climate Action Community Match Fund we can support local projects seeking to address the climate emergency in Suffolk. Collective action is needed if we are to achieve carbon neutrality in Suffolk by 2030. That is why it’s vital that we not only pursue net zero strategies within our own organisations but also empower local people and groups to take environmental action within their own communities.”
To register an initial expression of interest for your project, to check that your project is eligible for the Match Funder scheme, or if you are developing an idea and need some advice, please contact David Walton by email at david.walton@suffolk.gov.uk
