Groups urged to apply now to the Vale’s Climate Action Fund

Communities looking to tackle climate change in the Vale are being urged to apply now for a share of a new £50,000 council grant.

Applications are now open for Vale of White Horse District Council’s Climate Action Fund to help local groups, with up to £5,000 on offer for individual projects. 

The fund is open to all parish councils and local groups. In addition to hearing from established groups, to help encourage action at a grass roots level the council is particularly keen to support those who are only just beginning to address the climate emergency.

The funding is aimed at projects that help to tackle climate change and increase people’s awareness and knowledge of the climate emergency.  The work could focus on areas such as the natural environment, energy, waste and consumption, or transport and travel.

Organisations that receive funding will also be invited to join a network to share experiences, highlight the success of schemes that have received funding and potentially collaborate on future projects.

Cllr Catherine Webber, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Environment, at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Many of our residents would love to be able to do more to help tackle the climate emergency but need funding to get projects off the ground, so this will be a major boost for grass roots climate action in the Vale. 

“You don’t have to be a climate expert or established group to apply, the scheme is open to anyone who has a local climate project and we’re especially keen to hear from people who are just starting their journey to take action to address the climate emergency.”

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Cabinet Member Community Engagement, said: “I’m very pleased that we can offer this money to help create real opportunities for everyone to get involved in climate action ata local level across the Vale. If you have a climate project in the Vale which would benefit from some financial support, please submit an application as soon as possible.”

For more information and to apply, please visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/grants.

Applications are open until noon on 25 April 2022.

Notes for editors

Tackling the climate emergency in a key priority for Vale of White Horse District Council.  The Climate Action Fund is part of the Vale’s new 2022-2024 Climate Action Plan which outlines the steps the Vale will take to become a carbon neutral council by 2030, alongside how it will support local efforts to reduce emissions.

For more information about the Vale’s climate action visit whitehorsedc.gov.uk/climateaction