UK: Community Environmental Grant Scheme 2023

Deadline: 24-Feb-23

The Ryedale District Council is inviting applications for Community Environmental Grant Scheme.

This is to encourage community groups to reduce their carbon consumption, reduce energy costs whilst improving energy efficiency, with innovative solutions welcomed. This will then, in turn, support the commitment to net zero carbon emissions across Ryedale by 2050.

Through this fund, they will be able to collaborate with the community to adapt their practices to reduce energy consumption and mitigate the effects of climate change. The fund also links in with the council's commitment to support community-based schemes that contribute to a reduction in climate change and encourage others to act responsibly by promoting the practical action that businesses and individuals can take to reduce carbon emissions in Ryedale.

The grants are targeted at community groups and organisations that provide services and/or facilities which deliver public and social benefits.

Funding Information

• A total of £30,000 has been allocated to the scheme.
• The maximum amount of grant assistance is up to £2,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications can be made for assistance towards the following costs:-
  • Energy efficiency assessments to
    • Baseline current energy efficiency of a building and identify measures to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.
  • Electricity generation and
    • Installation of solar panels (and/or battery storage) or heat pumps.
  • Adaptation of premises to
    • Reduce consumption of gas, electricity or water such as, but not limited to, insulation, temperature control timers, double glazing / secondary glazing, LED lighting or rain water reuse.
  • Equipment that
    • Will help to improve efficiency/reduce carbon consumption.
  • Any grant awarded will be for up to 100% of expenditure within the limits of the grant amount.
  • Proof of using the money for the intended use will be required upon request through the submission of receipts/invoices and copy bank statements detailing the eligible expenditure.
  • Applications can be made by any community group which is defined as ‘a group or organisation which works for the public benefit’ which includes organisations such as sports clubs.
  • Grants are for community groups which are based within the Ryedale District Council boundary.
  • Community groups, not for profit organisations, charities, social enterprises and statutory bodies (e.g. Parish and Town Councils) can all apply.
  • Community groups must be solvent and must evidence this by providing the latest bank statement.
  • A copy of the signed constitution or rules for the organisation as adopted by the Chairman must be provided with the application.
  • Project must be completed within six months of the grant being awarded.
  • Cost estimates for the project in the form of formal quotations.
  • Audited accounts or otherwise certified accounts, including your last complete financial year.

Conditions of Grant

• Applicants with outstanding liabilities to Ryedale District Council cannot be considered for a Climate Change Reduction Grant. An internal credit check will be completed as part of the process.
• The approval or refusal of a grant and the amount awarded is at the absolute discretion of Ryedale District Council. There is no right to appeal.
• The bank account details provided must be in the community group name and not personal.
• Expenditure must be incurred using a debit / credit card, BACS (or other online payment system) or cheque. Payments of grant money must not be towards expenditure incurred using the payment method of cash. Bank statements will be requested as proof.
• Successful applicants must provide a progress update following receipt of the grant. The Council may carry out a monitoring exercise.
• The Council reserves the right to reclaim the grant in the event of the community group not delivering the specified activity within 6 months of the date the grant was approved.
• The Council reserves the right to withdraw the grant where spend is not in line with the offer made and accompanying terms and conditions.
• Failure to adhere to any of these conditions will result in non-payment of grant and/or reclaiming of the grant.
• Successful applicants shall promptly notify Ryedale District Council of any significant issues or delays on project or about any fraud, other impropriety, mismanagement or misuse in relation to the grant or any legal claim and/or investigation made or threatened against you, any member of your governing body, or any organisation, employee or volunteer working on the project.
• Successful applicants shall act lawfully in carrying out the project, in accordance with best practice and guidance from your regulators, and follow any guidelines issued by us in relation to the programme or use of the grant.
• The successful applicant acknowledges that Ryedale District Council are entitled to suspend or terminate the grant and/or require you to repay all or any of the grant if:
• The grant is used in any way other than as approved by Ryedale District Council or fail to comply with any of these terms and conditions, or any additional conditions set out in their grant offer to you.
• You provide us with false or misleading information, either on application or after award of the grant, act dishonestly, or if you or anyone involved in the project or your organisation is under investigation by us, a regulatory body or the police.

Ineligibility & Exclusions

• The Scheme will not fund the ongoing costs of any organisation including; rent, utilities, salaries, legal fees or insurance.
• Organisations cannot apply for purchases which they have made prior to being successful in receiving a grant from Ryedale District Council. This will be demonstrable through the production of an invoice dated after an offer of grant support is presented. Any claims received, which include an invoice with a date prior to the offer letter, will not be paid.
• If information required to complete an application is not provided with 14 days following the request for further information, the application will be rendered null and void.

For more information, visit Community Environmental Grant Scheme.