The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) is delivering this funding as part of its wider Climate Action programme.
The funding is for formal partnership working across sectors, led by community and voluntary organisations or public sector organisations for projects that reach more people by either:
- Linking climate action to the everyday lives and interests of local communities and inspiring them to take action.
- Influencing communities at a regional or national level, for example by linking up groups across locations, or a campaign that inspires change across one country, or the whole UK.
It is expected that most grants will be between £1 million and £1.5 million over three to five years. The minimum grant is £500,000.
Some exceptional projects of up to £3 million, for up to seven years, may be funded.
Applications will only be accepted from not-for-profit organisations working in a formal partnership.
The funding is intended to reach people who are new to climate action by funding other types of organisations and by using other using people's everyday activities and interests as a starting point for climate action.
For example, a project might:
- Involve people who have not had a say. This could be because they are new to climate action, or because they come from communities that experience poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.
- Introduce a climate perspective to a group who came together around another interest or activity.
- Test the best ways to engage different audiences in climate action.
- Spread an exciting local approach to climate action by sharing it nationally.
There is particular interest in projects that involve people, places and communities experiencing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage.
The funding can be used for the following:
- Staff costs
- Volunteer expenses
- General project costs
- Engagement activities
- Learning and evaluation, including sharing these with others
- Communications and campaigns
- Utilities or running costs
- Organisational development and management costs
- Costs to help engage with and support communities, or smaller partner organisations
- Equipment
- Delivering the project in other languages, such as Welsh.
NLCF is holding three information sessions on:
- 16 May 2024 (11:00 to 12 noon) (Welsh and English).
- 21 May 2024 (14:00 to 15:00)
Advanced registration is required and can be done on the NLCF website.
How to apply:
Full guidance and the online application form can be found on the NLCF website.
Applications will be accepted until at least the end of 2024. NLCF plan to close to applications in early 2025. The final deadline will be announced nearer the time.
It normally takes at least six months from the receipt of the first stage application to receive a decision.
Contact the National Lottery Community Fund for further information (details below).