What is the grant for?

What is the grant for?

The Community Climate Change Fund is to help Gloucestershire reduce carbon emissions and the impacts of climate change within communities. For the 2026 launch, we have a total of £100,000 to offer to community projects.

Applications should be for between £2,000 and £4,999. Applications open Wednesday 4th March 2026 and close Wednesday 15th April at 5pm. 

Eligible groups don’t have to be climate experts to apply. We’re keen to hear from communities who are starting their journey to take action and protect their local environment.

The fund is aimed at projects that help to tackle climate change and increase people’s awareness and knowledge of the climate emergency. 
Projects must both:

1. Reduce carbon emissions - outlining how the action taken will reduce carbon emissions (65% weighting during scoring)
2. Tell other people about the project and how it has reduced carbon emissions. (35% weighting during scoring)

Priority will be given to projects that reduce the most carbon, reach the most people and that provide the best value for money. Preference will be given to projects that are preventing new carbon emissions rather than adapting to changes due to existing carbon emissions. 

Adaptation projects that help communities respond to and withstand the impacts of climate change will also be considered. 

A strong application would include figures and details such as;

• How much carbon you will save and how you calculated this
• Any assumptions you have made in your calculations
• How many people you will contact and how you will contact them 

Be specific about what the funding will be spent on in your project description. 

Some examples of projects that reduce emissions are: 

• Reducing emissions from transport by encouraging cycling, walking, scooting, running, public transport use or the uptake of electric vehicles
• Encouraging second hand purchasing, repair or local swaps to reduce emissions from new items being produced
• Local food growing projects
• Projects to reduce food waste 
• Reducing energy use, improving energy efficiency or encouraging decarbonised electricity uptake. 

• Draught busting project – to help reduce draughts and increase insulation
• Installation of public EV car charging points at village halls
• Replacement of single glazed windows in a community building to improve energy efficiency
• Delivery of carbon literacy training to local residents
• Employment of a community fridge support officer on a fixed term basis
• Low waste and low emission cookery courses
• Establishing a community hub on the high street to signpost people to more information about climate change
• Funding for infrared cameras and outreach kit for volunteers to identify where heat is escaping homes and advise on insultation for free
• Extending a clothing swap or repair club

Examples of projects that would not be funded:

• Projects to plant trees to offset emissions.
• Changes to land use to try and mitigate flood risk (this is an example of adapting to the effects of climate change).

If you have questions regarding the Community Climate Change Fund, please contact glosclimate@gloucestershire.gov.uk.