News / Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership
Community climate action funding up for grabs
Funding is once again available for community groups looking to scale up climate action.
Over £320,000 is on offer to local groups aiming to reduce community carbon footprints and improve residents’ quality of life.
The two available pots, part of the Community Climate Action and Mission Net Zero projects, focus on learning and mentoring, and developing community energy projects.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership – formerly Bristol Green Capital Partnership – developed the community climate action concept in 2022 to propel the city’s fair, socially-responsible transition to net zero.
Since then 12 local organisations, representing elements of Bristol’s diverse communities including disadvantaged neighbourhoods, refugees and Disabled people, have benefited.
The Learning and Mentoring strand supports groups to develop community action plans that establish local priorities for climate action.
Sarah Rogers of Hillfields Community Garden in BS16 said the experience was “incredible.”
“We are hopeful that this consultation will bring about real change in our community,” she said. “Being part of a bigger citywide initiative is really important and adds validation to what we are trying to achieve.”
Maria Perrett, Community Activator at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, said the plan they developed “demonstrates that by working together and making even small changes we can make a big difference for our community and our planet.”
Residents of Easton and Lawrence Hill said one priority for climate action was better local, healthy food provision and veg growing opportunities – photo: Eastside Community Trust
This third iteration of the Learning and Mentoring programme has six spots available. It offers a £6,750 bursary, a series of workshops, peer mentoring and resources to support a climate action plan co-developed with the community.
It’s open to Bristol-based community organisations, whether environment-focused or otherwise, particularly those experiencing social and economic disadvantage that face a barrier to leading climate action locally.
The deadline for applications is March 27.
The new Transforming Energy Together programme will provide three organisations with £100,000 each to develop ‘robust, feasible’ investment-ready plans and business cases for community-led energy projects.
These can focus on how to generate clean energy locally and how to reduce energy use in homes and neighbourhoods.
The programme, delivered in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Energy and Bristol Energy Network, and supported by Bristol City Council, is open to place-based organisations with a community plan or previous activity exploring local energy or climate priorities and solutions.
Deadline for the initial expression of interest is March 25.
Find all details and apply here: bristolclimatenature.org/news/new-climate-action-funding-opportunities-for-local-community-groups/
This piece of independent journalism is supported by the Bristol24/7 public and business membership.
Main photo: Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
