ECO-friendly projects across the district can now bid for a slice of a community climate change fund.
The fund was established by Stratford District Council’s Cabinet at the end of last year and will allow the council to formally invest in initiatives proposed by either community groups and charities or town and parish councils to enhance local climate change agendas.
A total of £100,000 will be awarded across two phases, with the first phase open for expressions of interest for £50,000 now.
The CCCF will provide grant funding to projects which will either result in a direct reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to the impacts of climate change or result in research enabling access to more significant funding applications.
The first phase for expressions of interest will be used to establish what projects are needed by communities throughout the district to address the climate crisis.
SDC leader Coun Susan Juned said: “I’m thrilled that with this funding we can support local projects seeking to address the climate emergency across Stratford district. We know that many community groups in the district are already leading the way on climate action, and we want to support this important work through our Community Climate Change Fund.
“We are now able to launch the application process and want to hear from local groups with plans which will support the district’s climate emergency, supporting community work or developing ideas which will benefit our environment.
“Our role is to help not-for-profit organisations or town and parish councils to deliver their valuable work in the community, enabling everyone to respond to the climate emergency. If you have project that could fit our criteria, then we would like you to see if you can apply for a grant to help your work. Support is available to groups looking to submit an application to develop their project ideas.
“Collective action is needed if we are to meet our district wide climate ambitions, and that’s why it’s vital that we also empower local people and groups to take environmental action within their own communities.”
More information can be found at https://www.stratford.gov.uk/environment/climate-change-fund.cfm
