Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The LiveSmart Community Environmental Grant Programme 2026-27 provides grants of up to £750 to community and voluntary organizations within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area to support local environmental improvement projects. The programme promotes sustainable living, waste reduction, recycling, litter prevention, carbon footprint reduction, and community-led environmental action through a range of practical initiatives.
Funding is available on a rolling basis until the annual budget is fully allocated, with eligible organizations able to apply for up to 100% of project costs for activities that contribute to cleaner, greener, and more sustainable local communities.
Programme Overview
The LiveSmart Community Environmental Grant Programme is part of the wider LiveSmart Initiative developed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
The programme supports community-led projects that improve environmental quality, encourage sustainable behaviours, and help local residents reduce their environmental impact. Through small grants, local organizations can implement practical initiatives that address waste, recycling, litter, carbon reduction, and environmental awareness.
The programme aims to empower communities to take direct action in protecting and improving their local environment.
Funding Information
Key funding details include:
- Programme: LiveSmart Community Environmental Grant Programme 2026-27
- Grant Amount: Up to £750 per project
- Funding Coverage: Up to 100% of eligible project costs
- Funding Method: Competitive assessment
- Application Process: Rolling applications
- Geographic Area: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area
- Funding Availability: Open until annual budget is fully allocated
Applications are assessed based on project quality, environmental impact, and value for money.
Programme Objectives
The programme seeks to encourage sustainable community action and environmental responsibility.
Core objectives include:
- Improving environmental quality
- Reducing litter and waste
- Promoting recycling and reuse
- Encouraging repair and upcycling
- Supporting waste prevention initiatives
- Reducing community carbon footprints
- Increasing environmental awareness
- Encouraging sustainable lifestyles
- Enhancing local green spaces
- Supporting community participation in environmental action
Projects should demonstrate clear environmental benefits and measurable community impact.
LiveSmart Priority Themes
The programme supports projects aligned with six key LiveSmart themes.
RecycleSmart
This theme focuses on increasing recycling rates and encouraging proper waste management practices.
Activities may include:
- Recycling awareness campaigns
- Community recycling initiatives
- Educational workshops
- Recycling collection projects
ClimateSmart
ClimateSmart supports activities that help reduce carbon emissions and promote climate-conscious behaviours.
Examples include:
- Carbon reduction projects
- Energy-saving awareness campaigns
- Sustainable living initiatives
- Environmental education programmes
FoodSmart
FoodSmart focuses on reducing food waste and encouraging responsible food consumption.
Supported activities may include:
- Food waste reduction campaigns
- Community composting projects
- Sustainable food education
- Food sharing initiatives
PlasticSmart
PlasticSmart encourages communities to reduce plastic waste and adopt reusable alternatives.
Eligible projects may include:
- Single-use plastic reduction campaigns
- Reusable product initiatives
- Community awareness programmes
- Plastic-free community activities
LitterSmart
LitterSmart supports projects that improve cleanliness and reduce littering.
Examples include:
- Community clean-up events
- Litter prevention campaigns
- Public awareness initiatives
- Volunteer environmental action projects
ClothesSmart
ClothesSmart promotes sustainable fashion and textile waste reduction.
Supported activities may include:
- Clothing repair workshops
- Textile recycling initiatives
- Clothes swap events
- Upcycling projects
Eligible Projects and Activities
The programme supports a broad range of environmental initiatives.
Examples include:
- Recycling projects
- Reuse initiatives
- Repair workshops
- Upcycling programmes
- Waste prevention campaigns
- Community litter collection schemes
- Environmental awareness activities
- Food waste reduction projects
- Plastic reduction campaigns
- Native tree planting projects
- Fruit tree planting initiatives
- Community environmental improvement activities
Projects should demonstrate clear links to one or more LiveSmart themes.
Equipment Support
Funding may also be used for small items of equipment required to deliver approved projects.
Examples may include:
- Recycling equipment
- Litter collection tools
- Educational materials
- Community gardening supplies
- Environmental project resources
Equipment requests should directly support project delivery and environmental outcomes.
Why This Programme Matters
Local communities play a critical role in addressing environmental challenges.
This programme helps communities:
- Reduce waste generation
- Improve local cleanliness
- Protect natural resources
- Encourage sustainable lifestyles
- Increase recycling participation
- Strengthen community engagement
- Promote environmental responsibility
- Create greener public spaces
Small community-led projects often generate lasting environmental and social benefits at the local level.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Community organizations
- Voluntary organizations
- Non-profit groups
- Community associations
- Local environmental groups
- Constituted community organizations
Applicants must:
- Operate within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area
- Be formally constituted
- Operate on a non-profit basis
- Be accountable and properly governed
- Promote equality of opportunity
- Support good community relations
- Demonstrate the ability to deliver the project
- Demonstrate appropriate financial management capacity
Organizations should have the necessary structures and systems in place to manage grant funding effectively.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for funding, applicants must demonstrate:
- A clearly identified environmental need
- Community benefit
- Alignment with LiveSmart priorities
- Realistic project planning
- Value for money
- Appropriate governance arrangements
- Adequate insurance coverage where required
- Compliance with safeguarding and legal requirements
Projects should show how they will improve environmental outcomes within the local community.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are evaluated competitively using several criteria.
Assessment factors include:
- Project quality
- Environmental impact
- Community benefit
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Feasibility of delivery
- Value for money
- Organizational capacity
- Sustainability of outcomes
Projects that demonstrate strong local impact and practical environmental improvements are likely to score highly.
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify a Community Environmental Need
Determine a local environmental issue that your project will address, such as litter, waste, recycling, food waste, or carbon reduction.
Step 2: Align the Project with a LiveSmart Theme
Ensure the proposed activity clearly supports one or more programme priorities.
Step 3: Develop a Project Plan
Prepare details including:
- Objectives
- Activities
- Expected outcomes
- Budget
- Timeline
- Community benefits
Step 4: Confirm Eligibility
Review governance, legal, insurance, safeguarding, and financial management requirements.
Step 5: Seek Guidance if Needed
Contact the Environmental Resource Officer Team for advice and feedback on project ideas.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete and submit the application before available funding is exhausted.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define the environmental problem
- Demonstrate measurable community benefits
- Show alignment with LiveSmart themes
- Provide a realistic budget
- Highlight volunteer and community involvement
- Focus on sustainability and long-term impact
- Demonstrate organizational capacity
- Show value for money
Strong applications clearly connect project activities to environmental improvements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Failing to explain community need
- Weak links to LiveSmart themes
- Unrealistic project budgets
- Insufficient project planning
- Lack of measurable outcomes
- Poor governance documentation
- Ignoring legal or insurance requirements
Avoiding these issues can significantly improve funding prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum grant amount available?
Organizations can apply for grants of up to £750 per project.
Can organizations receive 100% project funding?
Yes. Applicants may request up to 100% of eligible project costs.
Who can apply for funding?
Community and voluntary organizations operating within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area may apply.
Is there a deadline for applications?
The programme operates on a rolling basis and remains open until the available budget is fully allocated.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects involving recycling, reuse, repair, upcycling, litter prevention, waste reduction, food waste prevention, and tree planting are eligible.
Can equipment be funded?
Yes. Small items of equipment necessary for project delivery may be supported.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed competitively based on environmental impact, project quality, community benefit, organizational capacity, and value for money.
Conclusion
The LiveSmart Community Environmental Grant Programme 2026-27 provides valuable support for community organizations seeking to improve local environmental quality and promote sustainable living. Through funding of up to £750, the programme enables communities to implement practical solutions that reduce waste, encourage recycling, prevent litter, lower carbon footprints, and create cleaner, greener local environments. Organizations with well-planned projects that align with LiveSmart priorities and demonstrate strong community impact are well positioned to benefit from this funding opportunity.
For more information, visit Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council.
