A new county council fund dedicated to tackling climate change is set to benefit communities across Staffordshire.
Not-for-profit organisations who want to do something to protect the environment can nor apply to the £62,000 Climate Change Action Fund.
Projects likely to be eligible are those that reduce the amount of carbon produced, improve air quality or help people to deal with climate change events such as heatwaves, drought or heavy rain. This could include a wide range of proposals from the improvement of insulation in community buildings to make them more energy efficient, to food waste recycling initiatives, alternatives to travel by car or tree planting schemes.
Julia Jessel, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change at Staffordshire County Council said: “Tackling climate change is incredibly important to us as a county council. Our ambition is to reduce our own carbon emissions to zero by 2050 but we also want to support communities to do their bit towards a greener future for the county. I want every County Councillor to become a Climate Change Champion in their local communities.
“Each county councillor has £1000 to award to projects in their area. They’ll do this on a first come, first served basis, so I’d encourage organisations to take a look at the criteria, speak with their local councillor as soon as possible, and make an early application.
“Climate change is a huge issue which impacts all of us, both now and in the future. If we work together and each do something—no matter how small—we can really make a difference.”
Organisations will first need to speak with their county councillor and then submit an application online to apply for a grant of up to £1000. Organisations who are eligible include charities, societies, voluntary and community groups, parish councils and schools.
More information on the Climate Change Action Fund and other funding opportunities for community projects can be found at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/doingourbit
