Funding available for communities to tackle climate change

Communities across Staffordshire are set to benefit from a £100,000 pot of funding for projects that help tackle climate change or protect the environment.

Projects that reduce carbon impact, improve air quality, enhance green spaces or reduce waste are likely to be considered for funding.

The county council funding is open to not-for profit organisations including charities, societies, voluntary and community groups, parish councils and schools.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for environment, infrastructure and climate change, Simon Tagg is urging groups to make an application to the fund.

Simon said: “Tackling climate change remains one of the county council’s top priorities and we have a target to reach net zero by 2050. We are committed to tackling climate change and we know that if we all come together and do our bit, including voluntary and community groups, we can make a big difference.

“Through this fund, each county councillor has £1,500 to give out in their area and can allocate up to £500 per project. The funding is being allocated on a first come first served basis, so I would urge community groups to speak to their local councillor, check if they are eligible and make an application.”

Staffordshire based charity, Help a Squaddie, received funding last year towards the costs of three bicycles so that veterans could travel sustainably to and from work and to see their families.

Commenting on the project, one veteran said: “I’m in such a better place now thanks to Help a Squaddie getting a bike for me. Only this morning I went out on my bike to see my son. We played football and had a brilliant time. I’m also able to go around more often to help him do his homework and spend more time with him.”

People can find out more about the project or watch the video here.

To apply for a grant, organisations will first need to speak with their county councillor and then apply online. Groups may apply to more than one county councillor and receive a total grant of up to £2,500.

People can find out more, check eligibility and make an application at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/climatefund