Funded by the DfE, Climate Ambassadors match volunteer climate experts with education settings.
Part of Let’s Go Zero, Climate Action Advisors are independent experts who offer free support for schools, colleges, and nurseries across England.
About
Community grants can help fund smaller sustainability projects at your setting. A wide range of grants are available for projects like:
- Creating a garden or allotment
- Installing or improving composting facilities
- Developing wildlife habitats or increasing biodiversity
- Purchasing equipment or materials for reuse and waste reduction projects
- Improving outdoor learning spaces
These grants are often designed to support practical, community-based projects and typically provide smaller amounts of funding (between £500 and £5,000). The funding available and eligibility criteria will vary.
Why
Applying for small grants is a perfect way to kick start something from your climate action plan.
Community grants provide an additional source of funding if you’re looking to start or expand a sustainability project. They’re particularly useful where a relatively modest investment could unlock a project that might not be prioritised within your setting's existing budget.
Many community grants also encourage partnership working, giving you an opportunity to involve local people, organisations and families in your sustainability work.
How
Most staff, including teachers, SLT, or anyone leading the specific project can apply for a community grant.
- Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve - often, you need to describe a specific project, explain the need or expected benefits, and set out how the funding will be used
- Involve your business manager or finance lead - before you submit an application or accept any funding
- Check eligibility criteria before applying - some grants require match funding, ongoing maintenance, monitoring, evaluation or other commitments
- Read terms and conditions carefully - if your application is successful, make sure you can meet all the requirements before accepting the funding
- Keep records of spending and project outcomes - particularly where these are required by the funder
Resources
Read more about how we find resources. The resources shown match the filters you apply - adjust your filters to see more resources.
Council funding to support local projects which meet the Council's Climate Change and Biodiversity Strategy
South Hams District CouncilFreeCarbon net zero funding and grants
Crown Commercial