New community funds available to reverse climate change

Recognising that local community groups have a valuable contribution to make and a role to play in tackling climate change, Horsham District Council has introduced a new Community Climate Fund. This fund will enable voluntary and community groups, as well as Parish and Neighbourhood Councils, to work on projects to reduce carbon levels locally and improve our environment.

The Horsham District Community Climate Fund will support those community projects that have long term and tangible climate benefits and provide positive environmental change.

Key aims of the new funding are to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the move to the District becoming carbon neutral. It also supports projects that show that they are adapting to changes to the climate, reducing the use of core resources such as energy and water, and as encouraging the minimisation of waste.

Fund applications can be related to any of the following themes:

• Energy – such as reducing consumption and increasing the use of renewable forms of energy
• Water – such as reducing consumption and reducing the threats from flooding
• Waste minimisation – reducing waste and reusing and recycling resources, for example using composting bins
• Biodiversity – increasing wildlife, such as the creation of pocket parks and community orchards
• Sustainable transport – such as encouraging cycling and walking.

The funds must be used for brand new projects, which will last beyond the funding provided by the Council, and include a commitment to inform the wider community about the project and encourage others to take action.

I am delighted that we are able to make these vital funds available to spread awareness and embed action on climate change at a local level.

As a council we have committed to work towards becoming carbon neutral as an organisation, and this funding gives everyone the opportunity to make a difference by reducing damage to our local environment.

We look forward to receiving your applications.

Cabinet Member of the Environment, Waste and Recycling Cllr Philip Circus

There are three levels of funds available:

• up to £1,000
• up to £2,500 (which requires more information from the applicant)
• up to £5,000 (which requires match funding from the applicant).

There are certain criteria that must be met to receive funding. Applications need to be submitted by the end of October.

Visit the Community Climate Fund web page for more information and to apply for funds

For further information please email community.development@horsham.gov.uk