Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Project Viability Grants – Climate Change Impact programme provides up to £15,000 for up to one year to support feasibility studies that explore how historic buildings can be adapted for improved energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. The grant focuses on non-profit and community organisations working on decarbonisation, climate adaptation, and sustainable reuse of heritage buildings.
What Is the Project Viability Grants – Climate Change Impact Programme?
The Project Viability Grants – Climate Change Impact programme supports early-stage studies that examine how historic buildings can be adapted to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon impact, and support long-term sustainable use.
It helps organisations assess the feasibility of climate-friendly upgrades before committing to major capital works.
Purpose of the Grant
The programme aims to:
Support energy efficiency improvements in historic buildings
Enable sustainable reuse of heritage assets
Reduce carbon emissions from older buildings
Encourage climate adaptation strategies for built heritage
Strengthen long-term viability of historic community spaces
Funding Information
Grant size: Up to £15,000
Project duration: Up to 12 months (1 year)
Eligible Organisations
Applicants must be one of the following:
Unincorporated organisations intending to incorporate
Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs or SCIOs)
Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee
Charitable Community Benefit Societies
Community Benefit Societies
Not-for-private-profit Companies Limited by Guarantee
Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee
Parish and Town Councils
Independent secular organisations seeking to take ownership of a place of worship for partial non-religious use
Organisations associated with a worshipping community establishing a secular ownership structure for mixed-use buildings
Special Condition for Places of Worship
Funding may only support governance or legal costs until ownership or long lease is confirmed.
Ongoing religious worship must account for less than 50% of building use.
Projects involving continued worship are not eligible in Northern Ireland.
Ineligible Organisations
The following cannot apply:
Private individuals
Public sector bodies (except Parish and Town Councils)
Universities, colleges, schools, and other educational institutions
For-profit companies (unless partnered with eligible non-profits)
Unincorporated organisations not intending to incorporate
Organisations with fewer than three trustees or directors
Limited liability partnerships
Places of worship used primarily for active religious services (except for approved ownership-transition projects)
Any eligible worship-related project involving regular religious activity in Northern Ireland
Eligible Projects
This programme supports feasibility and viability studies such as:
Energy efficiency assessments for historic buildings
Carbon reduction and retrofit feasibility studies
Climate resilience planning for heritage sites
Technical evaluations for building reuse
Sustainability audits and environmental performance analysis
Adaptation planning for community heritage buildings
Why This Grant Matters
Historic buildings often face challenges in meeting modern climate and energy standards. This programme helps organisations:
Reduce carbon emissions from heritage buildings
Improve long-term sustainability of community spaces
Make informed investment decisions before major renovations
Protect historic structures while adapting them for future use
Support national and local climate change goals
How to Apply
Applicants generally need to:
Confirm eligibility as a non-profit or qualifying local body
Identify a historic building requiring climate adaptation
Define the scope of the feasibility or viability study
Prepare a project plan outlining objectives and methods
Develop a budget up to £15,000
Submit application within the 12-month project timeframe
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying as an individual or ineligible organisation
Proposing full construction instead of a feasibility study
Ignoring eligibility rules for places of worship
Failing to demonstrate climate or energy efficiency focus
Not confirming governance requirements (minimum trustees/directors)
Tips for a Strong Application
Clearly explain the climate challenge affecting the building
Focus on measurable energy efficiency outcomes
Demonstrate heritage value and long-term community benefit
Include technical expertise or partners where possible
Show how results will support future capital investment decisions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this grant for?
It funds studies that assess how historic buildings can be adapted for energy efficiency and sustainability.
How much funding is available?
Up to £15,000 per project.
How long does the project last?
Up to one year.
Can individuals apply?
No, only eligible non-profit organisations and certain local bodies can apply.
Are construction or renovation works funded?
No, this grant supports feasibility and viability studies only.
Can places of worship apply?
Yes, but only under strict conditions related to ownership transition and limited religious use.
Conclusion
The Project Viability Grants – Climate Change Impact programme supports organisations exploring how historic buildings can be adapted for a low-carbon future. By funding feasibility studies, it helps communities make informed decisions about energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term reuse of heritage assets.
For more information, visit The Architectural Heritage Fund.