Staffordshire County Council has committed to reducing the climate change impacts arising from its buildings and services and recognises the need to adapt to our changing climate.
The importance of working with others to reduce the climate change impact across all of Staffordshire is a priority.
This climate change action fund offers funding assistance to local communities to build resilience and reduce Staffordshire’s contributions to climate change.
Who can apply
The funding is open to properly constituted, not-for profit organisations, including charities, societies, voluntary and community groups, parish councils and schools. The County Council is not able to fund individuals.
What can be applied for
There are four categories applicants can apply for funding under:
Category 1 – Reducing carbon impact or adapting to our changing climate
Examples include:
- Reducing energy demand, through:
- Changing to more energy efficient appliances, LED lighting and lower carbon heating.
- Reducing heat loss of buildings, for example improving insulation and reducing draughts.
- Electric vehicle charging points accessible by communities.
- Installing renewable technologies.
- Awareness raising on what we all can do to make a difference for climate change
- Reduction in water use including rainwater capture initiatives.
- Projects which can help to reduce the impact of extreme weather such as heavy rain, drought, wind and extreme temperatures. For example:
- Reducing the speed of runoff from hard surfaces
- Tree planting and/or land use change to slow water flow along watercourses/floodplains
- Providing temporary shade for buildings to reduce overheating in summer
Category 2 – Improving air quality
Examples include reducing pollution by encouraging alternatives to car use, such as walking and cycling initiatives.
Category 3 – Natural environment
Examples include tree, shrub or hedge planting (individual trees or shrubs can be funded up to £25 each).
Category 4 – Reducing waste
Examples include minimising waste creation, for example repair initiatives, waste reduction or encouraging on site composting.
How much can be applied for
Projects can apply for £500 – £3,000 and must receive support from a County Councillor.
Each Councillor can allocate up to £1,500 per project. You can approach more than one Councillor as long as the benefits can be realised across the divisional areas applied to.
There is no requirement for match funding. If an application requires additional funding to deliver the project this must be secured before applying.
How to apply
To apply for funding, you must speak with the County Councillor/s you are seeking funding from and receive in principal support before submitting an application.
All County Councillors which have offered in principal support for the application must be listed on the application form and the amount each respective Councillor has offered in principle specified.
Please see the list of County Councillors on our website for contact details.
There must be a clear breakdown of the costs presented in the application. Any element which exceeds £100 must be supported with at least one quote.
The funding application form is hosted on our website and your application should be submitted online via that form where possible. If you require a printed copy of the application form and guidance this can be requested from sustainability@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Please note: by submitting a funding application you will be confirming that you accept the council’s funding conditions as set out in this guide at the time of application. Organisations not accepting these at the time of applying will not be eligible for funding support.
Application deadlines
The Climate change action fund will have two phases for assessment. Please note all funds may be committed for your area during Phase 1 and there is no guarantee funding will be available in your area for Phase 2. Early applications are therefore recommended.
Phase 1: 30 September 2022
Phase 2: 23 December 2022
Assessment of the application and award of funds
Your County Councillor will consider your application and may request additional information if it is felt further clarification on the project is required.
You will be notified if your project has been successful :
Phase 1: Before 31 October 2022.
Phase 2: Before 31 January 2023.
An offer of grant will be issued to successful applicants. Funding will be released on receipt of a formal grant acceptance.
