Project: Funding opportunities | West Oxfordshire District Council

Janine Sparrowhawk2 years ago Westhive Community Crowdfunding Spring 25 Now Open! The Westhive programme was launched in October 2023 and has seen a number of projects receiving pledges from West Oxfordshire District Council. The deadline of the current round is the 31 March 2025. This means projects must be fully launched and permissions secured by this date.All the information about the Westhive programme is here. There is potential for the Council to pledge up to £10,000 or a max of 40% of the project target whichever is less.

Louise Croot2 years ago The Tree Council is inviting applications through the Branching Out fund.Through the Fund, schools, community groups, parish and town councils, and tree warden networks within the UK will be able to apply for grants of between £250 and £2,500 to get communities and young people up to the age of 21 involved in planting and caring for trees, hedges and orchards. There are specific criteria for grants under £500 and those above £500. The funding will cover the cost of trees, hedges and orchards; reasonable costs of non-plastic protection and support, as well as peat-free compost and/or soil improvers.The closing date for applications is midnight on the 1st December 2024.

Louise Croot2 years ago WODC has launched its new Carbon Action Fund grant scheme, designed to help small and medium-sized businesses in the West Oxfordshire district reduce their carbon footprint and become more climate resilient. Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), the scheme offers financial backing for capital projects that promote sustainability. Grants ranging from £10,000 to £20,000 will help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to invest in initiatives that will cut their energy use, reduce costs, and deliver lasting environmental benefits, such as making buildings more energy efficient or installing renewable energy systems like solar panels. By helping businesses make these improvements, we’re not only supporting them to become more sustainable and adaptive to climate challenges, but also contributing towards West Oxfordshire District Council's broader sustainability and net-zero ambitions.Eligible projects must focus on capital improvements that promote sustainability. Examples include: Retrofitting buildings for improved energy efficiency, such as insulation, low-carbon heating, and smart energy controls. Installing renewable energy systems, including solar panels and battery storage. Supporting the transition to electric vehicles through the installation of EV chargers. Purchasing equipment to enhance waste reduction and recycling efforts. Implementing green infrastructure like living walls, green roofs, or water conservation systems. Applications for the scheme are now open, and businesses are encouraged to submit their proposals by Monday 4 November 2024, with all successful projects to be completed by 28 February 2025. Please note that due to the anticipated high demand, not all eligible applications may be funded. For more information, including guidance on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://yourvoice.westoxon.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/business-carbon-action-support

Louise Croot2 years ago The Veolia Environmental Trust, which provides grants for community and environmental projects, has announced the opening of its next funding round.The Trust makes the following grants:· Community Grant Schemeo These grants are open to constituted not-for-profit organisations and local authorities. They provide funding ranging from £10,000 to £75,000, aimed at creating or improving buildings or outdoor spaces for the benefit of the community. The maximum project size eligible for funding is £350,000.· Nature Conservation Grants SchemesThese are only available to Environmental Bodies (EBs) who are already enrolled with Landfill Communities Fund regulator ENTRUST.o Habitat and Biodiversity Grants: Projects focused on conserving, restoring, or enhancing threatened habitats and/or protecting and increasing biodiversity can apply for grants between £10,000 and £75,000. The maximum project size eligible for funding is £350,000.o Environmental Improvement Grants: For larger-scale conservation projects, such as habitat creation/management and species protection, grants exceeding £75,000. Please ensure that you read and understand the criteria before submitting a proposal. The closing date for applications is 12 mid-day on the 3rd October 2024.https://www.veoliatrust.org/

Louise Croot2 years ago Grants to Increase the Energy Efficiency of Buildings (UK)Environmental charity Naturesave Trust has announced that the September – October 2024 funding round is now open for applications. The theme for this funding round is energy efficiency.The Trust seeks to support charities, voluntary organisations, and businesses in improving the energy efficiency of buildings, to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants, and decreasing water use.Each year, the Trust donates a percentage of its income from Naturesave Insurance and uses these funds to support environmental and conservation projects across the UK.The Trust awards grants of up to £5,000.https://www.naturesave.co.uk/naturesave-trust/

Louise Croot2 years ago Hundreds of thousands of trees are being given away to help the UK reach its 2050 carbon net-zero target.Schools, nurseries, colleges, universities, outdoor learning centres, and other groups such as resident associations, sports clubs, parish councils, scouts and guides from across the UK are among the organisations eligible to apply for up to 420 saplings to improve their local environment.· Tree packs available include:· hedge,· copse,· wild harvest,· year-round colour,· working wood,· wild wood,· wildlife,· urban trees.Applications can be made for up to four separate tree packs as long as the total does not exceed 420 trees.Applications are expected to close in January 2025 or sooner depending on stock availability.https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpv2TBhDoARIsALBnVnl4mX3ME2YPKMkKZu_l0kI5ujcVNuUrw9IhbLoocKo68CjWepkrLXQaAhtJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Louise Croot2 years ago The International Tree Foundation (ITF) is offering the UK Community Tree Planting Programme Grant for 2024-2025. This grant supports community-based projects in the UK that aim to enhance biodiversity, increase tree cover, and engage communities in environmental conservation.There are two funding streams available:· Community Woodlands/Hedging: For projects planting between 100 to 25,000 trees per year. The funding covers up to £1.95 per tree (including tree protection and mulch) and includes two maintenance grants of £0.10 per tree, disbursed in the first and second summers after planting.· Community Orchards: For projects planting up to 30 trees per year (specific funding amount not provided).Eligible uses include purchasing trees and planting materials, organising community planting events, and conducting educational activities on tree conservation. Organisations eligible to apply include community groups, schools, and other non-profit organisations.All activities must take place in publicly accessible spaces, including schools, parks, rights of way, and sites managed by community groups.The application process has two stages. Stage one establishes the project's eligibility. Applicants who are successful at this stage will have until 12 p.m. on Friday, December 13th, 2024, to submit a full application.Applications are assessed at the end of each month until the final closing date.https://www.internationaltreefoundation.org/uk-grants

Louise Croot2 years ago One of the UK’s largest grant making programme to tackle climate change is due to close in early 2025. A total of £20 million is available through the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund - Our Shared Future programme. The aim of the programme is to support community-led projects to inspire more people to take climate action by linking climate action to the everyday lives and interests of local communities, and by linking up different groups across locations. This could be in one country, or across the whole UK.The type of actions supported could include:· Engaging communities through arts, sports, or other interests to link climate action to their daily lives.· Influencing policy at regional or national levels through public engagement campaigns.· Involving underrepresented groups in climate action, particularly those new to it or facing disadvantage.· Testing innovative engagement methods to find the most effective ways to involve diverse groups in climate action.· Expanding successful local initiatives to a national scale by sharing effective approaches.To be eligible, applications must be submitted by partnerships consisting of a mix of organisations and sectors, and smaller groups working locally. This includes:· voluntary and community organisations· registered charities· charitable incorporated organisations· not-for-profit organisations· community interest companies· schools, colleges, and universities (as long as the project benefits and involves the wider local communities)· public sector organisations· co-operative societiesThe minimum grant that can be applied for is £500,000; however, most projects are expected to receive funding of between £1 million and £1.5 million over 3 to 5 years.A small number of larger or longer projects may also be funded.It is anticipated that up to 25 projects will be funded.https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/climate-action-fund-our-shared-future

Louise Croot2 years ago Individuals and families that are pre-payment meter customers, can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to clear domestic gas and electricity debts.The Individual and Families, administered by the British Gas (BG) Energy Trust, provides BG and non-BG customers with debt on a pre-payment meter with a grant to clear outstanding arrears with their energy supplier.The fund is available to customers that:· Have energy debt up to £2,000 and use a pre-payment meter in your main residence and the energy account must be in the name of the applicant· Live in England, Scotland, or Wales· Have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years· Must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account in their name and the energy account must relate to their main residence. · Have electric and/or gas debt· Must be in or facing Fuel Poverty· Have received help from a money advice agencyHowever, customers of Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Boost, SSE and Octopus should apply to their Energy suppliers own respective funds. The Fund will close when all funding has been awarded.https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/

Louise Croot2 years ago The Royal Countryside Fund has announced that it will launch a new grant scheme in January 2025 to extend its support for farming and rural communities across the UK.The programme will support organisations to deliver transformative, community-led initiatives that:· Keep young people in the countryside – support for projects which increase access to skills training and employment opportunities in rural communities, creating greater opportunities for young people to stay, live and work in the countryside· Powering up rural communities – support for organisations which aim to provide financial benefits to the locality through developing innovative, replicable projects which address local needs· Increasing environmental sustainability – support for community-driven projects which aim to increase the environmental sustainability of their community through reducing emissions/environmental impact· Building emergency resilience in rural areas – support for communities to develop preventative measures and plans to respond to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, helping them to be better prepared to cope with and recover from emergenciesNot-for-profit and community organisations with an annual turnover of less than £500,000 will be eligible to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to deliver projects lasting up to two years.Further details will be made available in due course.https://www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/how-we-help/rural-communities/

Louise Croot2 years ago Introduction West Oxfordshire District Council is working with Eunomia Research and Consulting to offer three fully funded, interactive online training sessions to small and medium businesses in West Oxfordshire. These sessions are designed to enhance your understanding of carbon accounting and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to create a tailored and actionable carbon reduction plan for your business. The course is open to all small and medium sized businesses in West Oxfordshire (up to 249 employees). There are only 25 spaces per course and are on a first come first served basisTraining Overview Part 1/2: Two 1-hour sessions This first part includes two 1-hour sessions with a carbon expert from Eunomia. These sessions will cover the basics of carbon literacy, including the carbon cycle, greenhouse gas effects, climate change drivers and impacts, and an introduction to carbon accounting and footprinting. You will have opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussions with Eunomia colleagues, building a solid foundation for the third session. Part 3: One 2-hour session The final session is a 2-hour workshop focused on equipping you with the knowledge and skills to create a comprehensive carbon reduction plan. This interactive session will include discussions on enhancing your business's sustainability, with recommendations for improving buildings, transport, waste, and supply chains. It will also provide advice on stakeholder engagement and progress monitoring. By registering for these sessions, you will gain access to a digital library of recommended carbon reduction actions and a template carbon action plan to support your planning process. Outcomes By the end of these sessions, you will: 1. Have a solid understanding of climate change and carbon literacy. 2. Possess the skills and knowledge to develop a robust, customized carbon reduction plan for your business. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to express interest in a one-on-one support session with the Eunomia team for personalised guidance on completing your action plan and beginning decarbonisation measures. Important Information Attendance at all three sessions is mandatory to receive decarbonisation materials and access to the one-on-one sessions. Only businesses from West Oxfordshire are invited to participate in this programme. The training sessions will be conducted over three consecutive weeks. If you are interested in participating, email business@westoxon.gov.uk with your preferred dates to attend Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3, your contact name/email and business name/address and we will forward you the links to join the sessions: Part 1: o Monday, 16th September @ 5-6pm o Monday, 23rd September @ 12-1pm Part 2: o Thursday, 19th September @ 12-1pm o Wednesday, 25th September @ 5-6pm Part 3: o Thursday, 26th September @ 4-6pm o Tuesday, 1st October @ 4-6pm o Wednesday, 2nd October @ 12-2pm o Thursday, 3rd October @ 12-2pm

Louise Croot2 years ago The King Charles III Charitable Fund has launched a new funding round of its Small Grants Programme to support projects that will improve people’s lives and build sustainable communities across the UK.The fund will allocate grants of up to £5,000 to around 100 community-based organisations, including charities, community interest companies, and parish councils, each year.Applications will be accepted from UK registered non-profit organisations with an annual income of less than £1 million.The fund aims to support small-scale projects that can potentially create substantial impacts within their communities, especially those that typically face challenges accessing larger funding sources. During this funding round grants will be awarded under the following themes. · heritage and conservation · education The closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 14th August 2024.Further information can be found on the website.

Louise Croot2 years ago The new Powering Communities to Net Zero (PCNZ) fund is a successor to the previous Resilient Communities Fund, which has awarded over £5m to around 700 projects in the past nine years. The new fund will run annually from now, concluding in Spring 2028. More than £3m in grants will be awarded during this time. This fund will support communities during prolonged power interruptions caused by storms, aid their ability to cope in periods of severe weather, and will now also support the adoption of new low-carbon technologies by non-profit organisations. The new fund explained: The fund is split into two categories; community-led physical and environmental resilience, and Low Carbon Technology (LCTs). The new community-led physical and environmental resilience grants.Half of the £3m funding will be available over the next four years to enable communities to apply for grants that will bolster physical and environmental resilience measures. Further details of the criteria are found in the fund guidance and in the application form. Grants of up to £15,000 will be awarded to successful applicants in this category The new low-carbon technology grants.The other half of the funding being made available over the next four years will also be available for non-profit organisations to apply for grants to go towards the purchase of new Low-Carbon Technology. For example, a successful grant application could result in a social housing scheme or community centre being awarded funding to contribute to the cost of EV chargers, solar panels, battery storage or backup, low carbon heating systems, smart heating controls, or other general energy efficiency measures. Grants of up to £20,000 will be awarded to successful applicants in this category. The deadline for applications to both categories is 5pm on Saturday 31st August 2024, and applicants are asked to consider the criteria in the fund guidelines. The application documents can be downloaded on our website www.ssen.co.uk/pcnz. This gives full details of what can be supported by the fund as well as guidance on which projects will be prioritised.The PCNZ Fund Panel, will review applications and determine which projects should receive funding, with the successful applications announced in late October.More information can be found on our news article on the SSEN website.

Louise Croot2 years ago Village halls across England can apply for grants to improve and modernise their facilities.Launched by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund will provide capital only grants of up to £5,000 for capital improvement projects to create welcoming spaces that encourage more people to make use of their village halls, and bring people together.The fund is being managed by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).Activities should seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities: improved health and/or wellbeing and/or reduction in rural loneliness positive impact on the local environment, contributes towards net zero support for the local rural economy promotion of community cohesion Grants are intended to support smaller capital projects such as: * boiler replacements * insulation * toilet upgrades * new kitchensAwards can be made to cover 20% of eligible project costs.The fund is expected to stay open until December 2024, however it may be withdrawn before this.Applicants are advised to read the fund criteria and FAQs before submitting their application. ACRE recommend applicants only submit their application once the project is ready to proceed, and everything is in place.Further information is available on the ACRE website.

Nature and Climate Team WODC2 years ago The UK Government is launching a new fund £7 million fund to support rural communities across England to create, restore and enhance their green spaces.The Community Green Spaces Fund will provide grants of up to £75,000 to help communities: create orchards, kitchen gardens, and wildflower areas around village halls and other green spaces develop natural play areas for children improve accessibility with new paths, seating, and disabled parking spaces The fund is expected to open to applications in early summer.In addition, the Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund is being extended to provide an additional £5 million funding to support projects such as village hall extensions and Wi-Fi installation.Further details will be provided in due course.

Louise Croot2 years ago Local volunteer led-groups, social enterprises, and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to deliver cycling events to get people back on their bikes this summer.The Big Bike Revival Programme will support organisations across England to deliver a summer programme of activity that will encourage people who do not currently cycle regularly (once every two weeks or less) to consider either starting or returning to cycling.This includes people experiencing:· social, economic and health deprivation· people from diverse backgrounds· those facing multiple challengesThe funding, which is made available by the Department for Transport, could be spent on equipment to expand delivery, venue hire for learning events, or instructors to lead bike rides.Applications will open on the 4th March 2024. Further details will be made available after this date.

Louise Croot2 years ago From the 27th March 2024 groups of community organisations in the UK can apply for grants of up to £3 million to involve more people in climate action. The funding is being made available through the National Lottery Community Fund – Climate Action Fund.The funding can be used for projects and action that reach more people by either:· linking climate action to the everyday lives and interests of local communities. And inspiring them to take action.· influencing communities at a regional or national level. Like linking up groups across locations. Or a campaign that inspires change across one country, or the whole UK.To be eligible applications need to be submitted by partnerships consisting of a mix of organisations and sectors; and smaller groups working at a local level.The types of projects eligible for funding could include:· Projects that involve people who have not had a say. For example because they are new to climate action. Or because they come from communities that experience poverty, disadvantage and discrimination· Projects that introduce a climate perspective to a group who came together around another interest or activity· Projects that test the best ways to engage different audiences in climate action· Projects that spread an exciting local approach to climate action by sharing it nationally.The minimum grant is £500,000. It is however expected that most projects will receive funding of between £1 million and £1.5 million over 3 to 5 years. In exceptional circumstance projects can receive up to £3 million, and for up to 7 years. It is anticipated that up to 25 projects will be funded.Further information can be found on the website.

Louise Croot2 years ago GWR are delighted to announce we will soon be inviting bids to our Customer and Community Improvement Fund for the financial year 2024/25.The fund will open to bids on Monday 26 February 2024 and close to bids at 23:59 on Monday 25 March 2024.The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is designed to support small and medium rail-related projects that can be completed over the course of the 2024/25 financial year.We are particularly interested in schemes that: benefit customers increase rail travel encourage carbon reduction connect communities, people, and places support economic growth promote inclusion and diversity educational programmes that support careers in rail or increase awareness and experience of public transport and rail safety. Bids must be related to the railway and proposals that don’t relate in some way will not be considered.Applications can be made through the online portal below when the fund opens on Monday 26 February 2024. Further information can be found on the GWR website.

Louise Croot2 years ago Village halls across England can apply for grants to improve and modernise their facilities.Launched by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund will provide capital only grants of up to £5,000 for capital improvement projects to create welcoming spaces that encourage more people to make use of their village halls, and bring people together.The fund is being managed by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).Activities should seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities:· improved health and/or wellbeing and/or reduction in rural loneliness· positive impact on the local environment, contributes towards net zero· support for the local rural economy· promotion of community cohesionGrants are intended to support smaller capital projects such as:· boiler replacements· insulation· toilet upgrades· new kitchensAwards can be made to cover 20% of eligible project costs.The fund is expected to stay open until December 2024, however it may be withdrawn before this.Applicants are advised to read the fund criteria and FAQs before submitting their application. ACRE recommend applicants only submit their application once the project is ready to proceed, and everything is in place.

Rachel Crookes3 years ago West Oxfordshire District Council will be distributing £50,000 of funding to support community orchard projects across the district, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, after a successful Coronation Living Heritage Fund application. The aim of the funding is to enable more trees to be planted in non-woodland locations and close to where people live, providing a visible and lasting tribute to the coronation within local communities.There will be two planting seasons during which groups can submit applications – this year, applications are open until 19th January 2024, and planting must be completed in February and/or March 2024. The trees must be on publicly accessible land, or accessible to a significant number of people eg for a school. Any types of fruit tree that will thrive in the UK can be planted, with a minimum of 5 trees making up an orchard.More information can be found on the WODC website -https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/environment/climate-action/coronation-community-orchard-scheme

Louise Croot3 years ago Better Housing Better Health is here to help keep residents warm and well at home and improve energy efficiency of their homes.In a preventative approach to health and wellbeing, our service provides residents with a single point of contact to get impartial advice to help improve the energy efficiency of their home, save money and improve comfort.BHBH can be contacted via a freephone helpline 0800 107 0044 or residents can self refer via the BHBH website.Check out the BHBH explainer video to find out more.

Louise Croot3 years ago Funding is being made available for to help financially vulnerable people who are struggling to pay their energy bills. The British Gas Energy Support Fund has been set up in response to the increasing cost of living and rising inflation to help eligible British Gas customers with fuel debt of £250 to £1,500 to pay their energy bills over the coming months.To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the criteria: Are a British Gas credit or pre-payment meter customer living in England, Scotland or Wales. Have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 12 months. Are seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or duel fuel energy account in their name or be a member of that household, the energy account must relate to the main residence. Have an electric and/or gas between £250 - £1,500. Must be in or facing Fuel Poverty. Have received help from a money advice or guidance agency. Grants over £1,500 will be considered in exceptional circumstances.The fund, which is administered by the British Gas Trust, will remain open until all funding has been awarded.Further information is available on the British Gas Energy Support Fund website.

Rachel Crookes3 years ago

Andrew Prosser3 years ago The SFI pays farmers for taking actions that support food production, farm productivity and resilience, whilst protecting and enhancing environment.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-application-dates-for-sustainable-farming-incentive-2023Farmers can sign up for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) from 18 September and are invited by the Rural Payments Agency to register their interest in advance, Defra has announced.Full details of the SFI 2023 were published in June this year in a detailed handbook.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfi-handbook-for-the-sfi-2023-offer

Funding opportunities

28 contributions

Westhive Civic Crowdfunding

Grants for Hedges, Trees and Orchards

WODC Carbon Action Fund for SMEs

Veolia Environmental Trust Grants for Community & Environmental Projects

Grants to Increase the Energy Efficiency of Buildings

Free Trees for Schools and Community Groups - The Woodland Trust

Community-led Tree Planting Project funding

National Lottery Climate Action Fund - Our Shared Future

Grants to Clear Domestic Gas and Electricity Debts

The Royal Countryside Fund Grant Scheme 2025

SME carbon reduction training for West Oxfordshire businesses

King Charles III Small Grants Programme

Powering Communities to Net Zero fund

Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund

£7 Million Community Fund to Transform Rural Green Spaces

Grants to Help Get People Back on their Bikes this Summer

National Lottery Community Fund – Climate Action Fund

GWR Customer & Community Improvement Fund

Funding to Support Village Hall Improvement Projects (England)

Coronation Community Orchards

Better Housing Better Health

British Gas Energy Bill Support for Vulnerable Households

Cottsway Estate Biodiversity Improvements

Government announces application dates for Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023

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Funding opportunities

28 contributions

Westhive Civic Crowdfunding

Grants for Hedges, Trees and Orchards

WODC Carbon Action Fund for SMEs

Veolia Environmental Trust Grants for Community & Environmental Projects

Grants to Increase the Energy Efficiency of Buildings

Free Trees for Schools and Community Groups - The Woodland Trust

Community-led Tree Planting Project funding

National Lottery Climate Action Fund - Our Shared Future

Grants to Clear Domestic Gas and Electricity Debts

The Royal Countryside Fund Grant Scheme 2025

SME carbon reduction training for West Oxfordshire businesses

King Charles III Small Grants Programme

Powering Communities to Net Zero fund

Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund

£7 Million Community Fund to Transform Rural Green Spaces

Grants to Help Get People Back on their Bikes this Summer

National Lottery Community Fund – Climate Action Fund

GWR Customer & Community Improvement Fund

Funding to Support Village Hall Improvement Projects (England)

Coronation Community Orchards

Better Housing Better Health

British Gas Energy Bill Support for Vulnerable Households

Cottsway Estate Biodiversity Improvements

Government announces application dates for Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023

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