Deadline: 29-Jun-2026
The Nature and Climate Action Fund supports community-led projects in the Vale of White Horse district that address climate change, enhance environmental resilience, and support nature recovery. With a total budget of £100,000, it offers grants between £250 and £10,000 for local initiatives focused on sustainability, adaptation, and biodiversity improvement.
Overview of the Programme
The Nature and Climate Action Fund is a local grant programme designed to empower communities to take action on climate change and environmental decline. It supports practical projects that improve resilience to climate impacts such as heatwaves, flooding, and droughts.
The programme also encourages community awareness and participation in environmental protection and nature restoration.
Key Objectives
The fund aims to strengthen local climate action and environmental stewardship.
Key objectives include:
- Tackling climate change at the community level
- Improving resilience to extreme weather events
- Supporting nature recovery and biodiversity
- Reducing environmental impact from consumption and waste
- Promoting sustainable transport and travel
- Encouraging climate awareness and education
- Supporting local climate adaptation solutions
- Mobilising community-led environmental action
Focus Areas
Projects supported by the fund may address a wide range of environmental themes.
Focus areas include:
- Natural environment protection and restoration
- Energy efficiency and low-carbon initiatives
- Waste reduction and sustainable consumption
- Sustainable transport and mobility
- Climate adaptation and resilience building
- Flood, heatwave, and drought preparedness
- Biodiversity enhancement and habitat creation
- Community education and climate awareness
Funding Details
The programme provides flexible funding for community-scale projects.
Funding structure:
- Total fund: £100,000
- Grants available: £250 to £10,000
- Up to 100% of project costs may be funded
- Projects must be completed within 12 months
- Supports both capital and revenue costs
- Recurring revenue costs are not eligible
Eligibility Criteria
A range of local organisations can apply for funding.
Eligible applicants include:
- Town and parish councils
- Parish meetings
- Local not-for-profit organisations
- Community groups focused on local benefit
- Councils working with unconstituted community groups
Requirements:
- Organisation must benefit residents of Vale of White Horse
- Must demonstrate not-for-profit status
- Must provide financial documentation (e.g., bank statements)
- Must show governance structure (officers, trustees, or committee)
- Must align project with organisational objectives
Eligible Project Types
The fund supports practical, locally impactful initiatives.
Examples of eligible projects:
- Community tree planting and habitat restoration
- Energy-saving or renewable energy initiatives
- Local flood resilience improvements
- Sustainable transport schemes (cycling/walking infrastructure)
- Waste reduction and recycling campaigns
- Community gardens and biodiversity projects
- Climate education and awareness programmes
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to deliver measurable local impact.
Expected outcomes include:
- Increased community resilience to climate impacts
- Improved biodiversity and ecosystem health
- Reduced environmental footprint at local level
- Greater awareness of climate change issues
- Stronger community participation in sustainability action
- Enhanced local adaptation to environmental risks
Importance of the Programme
This fund plays a key role in local climate action.
It contributes by:
- Empowering grassroots environmental initiatives
- Supporting adaptation to climate risks
- Strengthening community resilience
- Encouraging sustainable behaviours
- Improving local ecosystems and biodiversity
- Enabling early-stage climate action projects
Conclusion
The Nature and Climate Action Fund supports small to medium community projects in the Vale of White Horse that address climate change and environmental challenges. By funding practical local initiatives, it strengthens resilience, restores nature, and encourages long-term community-driven sustainability action.
For more information, visit Vale of White Horse District Council.