Deadline: 13-Sep-21
The Community Foundation For Calderdale (CFFC) is inviting applications for the 2021 Climate Emergency/Carbon Zero Fund to help Calderdale reach its targets for carbon saving with the aim of becoming Carbon Neutral.
This fund has been set up by Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council (CMBC) in partnership with Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) as equal funders, to support local environmental projects.
CMBC and CFFC will work together long-term to raise awareness of Climate Emergency and raise endowment funds for the distribution of grants/loans to support capital and revenue projects in Calderdale.
The fund has a specific focus on providing support to a wide variety of community groups to make energy savings and carbon reductions.
Key Priorities
The key priorities for this round are around Transport, Buildings and Education/awareness raising
- Projects which will impact on the Carbon impact of transport: Travel is responsible for 40% of Calderdale’s carbon footprint. For example; a 10 mile commute – one year – of driving in normal traffic contributes 4,500Kg of carbon dioxide pollution to the environment, driving further climate change. Indicative eligible Projects might cover themes such as vehicle co-ownership (providing an alternative to car ownership to reduce car usage and therefore carbon emissions), the installation of Community eCars in locations close to older persons housing and areas of deprivation across Calderdale, and projects which support active travel and public transport.
- Projects which will impact on the Carbon footprint of Buildings: 43% of the local carbon emissions come from buildings. Heritage buildings – which they have many of in Calderdale – can be more expensive to retrofit to low carbon operation. As an example of the scale of the problem, the Council’s estate generated 2,577,000 kg of Co2 pollution in 2019/20. They want to encourage Calderdale community groups to undertake energy efficiency works to reduce emissions as a priority. In most cases these works will also reduce operational costs and make buildings more comfortable for occupants.
- Projects which via Education and people development increase the awareness and knowledge of Climate change and the vital need to reduce the carbon footprint and which will lead to new ideas and projects for future rounds: This could involve:
- Delivering Carbon / Climate Emergency Training. This could cover supporting people to develop an awareness of the carbon costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis. Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of mankind’s everyday actions.
- Developing sustainability education courses around building retrofit, renewable energy, sustainable transport, repair, re-use, low carbon diets and energy saving
- Creating spaces where people can learn practical skills and engage with issues around carbon emissions through volunteering, arts and educational activities.
- Working with groups who are often under-represented in climate conversations: BAME / South Asian communities, those without higher level qualifications and communities in areas of depravation across Calderdale, to inform, communicate, educate and empower people through better understanding of the environment. Work might include basic information on energy efficient measures, saving money and improve the environment through better understanding of reducing waste, recycling, and food waste, and skills transfer.
Funding Information
- They anticipate that there will be one grant of up to £40k, 2 grants up to £20k and £65k for grants between £1k and £10k.
- Future rounds will be in March 2022 and October 2022
Eligibility Criteria
The types of groups that can apply are:
- Constituted voluntary, community and faith groups run for and by local people (Note: individuals cannot apply)
- Registered charities and groups with charitable purposes working in Calderdale
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) who do not, and cannot, pay dividends
- Schools (for non-statutory activity).
For more information, visit https://cffc.co.uk/climate-emergency-carbon-zero-fund/