Applications open for Community Climate Change Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Community Climate Change and Nature Fund provides small grants to support community-led projects addressing climate change and nature recovery in Staffordshire Moorlands. The fund enables local groups to take practical action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves biodiversity, supports nature recovery, and increases community participation in environmental activities. Established in 2021, the Staffordshire Moorlands Community Climate Change and Nature Fund forms part of the Council’s wider response to the local climate and nature emergency. It aims to mobilise and empower community groups to develop practical projects that contribute to the Climate Change and Nature Delivery Plan 2025.

About the Community Climate Change and Nature Fund

The fund was established to help communities across Staffordshire Moorlands play an active role in responding to climate change and supporting nature recovery. Rather than limiting funding to organisations whose main purpose is environmental protection, the programme allows any community group in Staffordshire Moorlands to apply if it is developing a project that tackles climate change or supports nature. The fund therefore provides an opportunity for community organisations working in different areas to incorporate environmental action into their existing activities. What Does the Fund Support? The fund supports a broad range of practical, community-led projects.

Examples of eligible activities include:

- Tree planting. - Habitat improvement. - Nature recovery projects. - Community engagement and environmental awareness activities. - Projects that build environmental skills and knowledge. - Green travel and sustainable transport schemes. - Energy-saving measures in community buildings. - Local food projects. - Recycling and reuse initiatives. - Other community projects that contribute to climate action or nature recovery. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activities and local environmental priorities. Climate Change Action Projects can address climate change by helping communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions or use resources more efficiently. For example, community groups may develop projects focused on energy efficiency, sustainable transport, waste reduction, recycling, reuse, or local food systems. Applicants should explain how their proposed activity will create a practical environmental benefit. Nature Recovery and Biodiversity The fund also supports projects that improve local habitats and contribute to nature recovery. Activities such as tree planting and habitat improvement can help strengthen biodiversity while providing opportunities for residents to become involved in local environmental action. Projects should demonstrate how their activities will contribute to measurable improvements in areas such as biodiversity and community participation. Community Engagement and Skills Development Community involvement is an important part of the fund. Projects can focus on raising awareness, developing environmental skills, and encouraging residents to participate in practical climate and nature activities. This means that funding is not limited to physical environmental improvements. Community education, engagement, and capacity building can also form an important part of a project. Green Travel and Transport The fund can support community-led initiatives that encourage greener forms of travel and transport. Projects should demonstrate how they can help reduce emissions, encourage sustainable travel choices, or improve community participation in environmentally responsible transport. Energy-Saving Projects Community groups can also use funding for energy-saving measures in community buildings. Such projects can help organisations reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency while contributing to wider local climate objectives. Applicants should clearly explain the expected environmental and community benefits of the proposed measures. Local Food, Recycling and Reuse The fund recognises local food projects and activities promoting recycling and reuse as potential ways for communities to contribute to environmental sustainability. These initiatives can help reduce waste, encourage more sustainable resource use, and involve residents directly in practical environmental action. Alignment With the Climate Change and Nature Delivery Plan 2025 Projects are expected to contribute to the objectives of the Climate Change and Nature Delivery Plan 2025. Applicants should therefore demonstrate how their project supports local priorities relating to climate change, nature recovery, biodiversity, energy efficiency, or community involvement. A proposal with clearly defined outcomes and measurable impact can make it easier to demonstrate this alignment. Grant Amount The fund provides small grants, usually ranging from £400 to £5,000 per project. The total fund available each year is £20,000. For the September–October 2026 funding round, the programme is focusing on smaller projects of up to £400, with the aim of maximising the number of community groups that can receive support. Applicants should therefore check the funding conditions applicable to the specific round before preparing their budget. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Any community group seeking to establish a project that supports nature or tackles climate change in Staffordshire Moorlands can apply. Importantly, the group’s main purpose does not have to be environmental. This means community groups working in other areas may also be eligible if they are proposing a project that delivers meaningful climate or nature benefits. How Applications Are Assessed Applications are assessed approximately twice a year. Assessment is carried out by a panel that includes representatives from the public, private, and third sectors. Projects should clearly demonstrate their environmental purpose, community benefits, and expected impact. What Mak