Zero Carbon Communities Grant in the UK

Applicants are welcome to apply for more than one project, although it should be noted that allocation of funding will take into account the aim of achieving a good spread of funding across the district.

Project proposals will be scored and prioritised for funding based on how well the answers to the questions fulfil the objectives given for each theme. They really want the grant to stimulate wider engagement around what zero carbon means in each local community. Applications that show this are more than just publicity; they are something that will help change behaviour, for example through meetings and surveys, which are likely to be well received.

Themes
This year, applications are invited for projects under the 2 themes:

Reducing carbon emissions or locking up carbon
Objectives:
The project reduces the production of carbon emissions or reduces carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. (33%)
The project contributes additional value (e.g. funding contributions; volunteer time/expertise from other sources; collaboration between organisations, and/or evidence of local and/or Member support; communication of the project to the local community). (33%)
The project is sustainable and will have a ‘lifetime’ impact on the local and wider community. (33%)
Community engagement on climate change
Objectives:
Achieving wider community engagement and behaviour change around climate change (33%)
Additional value (e.g. funding contributions or contributions in kind, for example, volunteer time/expertise from other sources, collaboration between organisations, and/or evidence of local and/or Member support) (33%)
The project is sustainable and will have a ‘lifetime’ impact on the local and wider community (33%).
Funding Information
For projects requesting more than £5,000 they would encourage applicants to seek part funding/in kind contributions in order to score highly.
Conditions of Funding
Organisations that are awarded a grant will be expected to comply with the following conditions as a minimum:
Funding must only be used for the agreed purpose and must be spent within 12-months of the award being made except where exceptional circumstances apply, and an extension is agreed with the grants officer in writing
Where a proposal anticipates financial savings or income, the applicant will need to show this will be for the benefit of the community
Publicity must take place acknowledging the award provided by South Cambridgeshire District Council
Any unused grant must be returned to South Cambridgeshire District Council
An end of project report with photographs must be submitted to the Council within six months of project completion
Applicants are encouraged to seek support for their application from their local Member.
What they fund
As well as capital costs we can fund:
Salaries of project workers
Salaries of management staff who supervise project staff. These should be in proportion to the staff time spent on the project
Reasonable expenses of project staff and volunteers
Marketing and publicity for the project (as appropriate)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a non-profit group or organisation based in South Cambridgeshire or benefiting South Cambridgeshire residents, OR a South Cambridgeshire parish council
Non-profit organisations could include registered charities, companies limited by guarantee, unincorporated associations or clubs, community interest companies, charitable incorporated organisations, community benefit societies, social enterprises, established voluntary sector organisations and community shops with an appropriate legal structure (not profit-making).
Schools and any other organisations can apply for a grant for a project which is accessible to the community and not just for educational purposes.
Applications from informal community groups and local businesses are also encouraged provided they partner with an eligible non-profit organisation as listed above. The lead applicant must be the non-profit organisation and as such will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of involvement in the project. Commercial businesses are not eligible to apply.
Have a written constitution or mission statement
Have an elected committee or representative steering group
Have a bank account
Be able to provide an up-to-date copy of their accounts and any relevant protection policies. Parish councils can signpost them to relevant online documentation and do not need to submit hard copies.

For more information, visit South Cambridgeshire District Council.