For advice and support on external funding opportunities in Suffolk, covering a range of different sectors and activities, please visit the Suffolk County Council webpage to sign up to the VCSE bi-weekly Grants Alert.

The following document has been put together by Suffolk County Council to signpost towards grants: SCC Green Environment Grants

These other grants are available to help communities implement carbon saving actions and enhance biodiversity in Suffolk.

Suffolk Climate Action Community Match Funder – This fund is designed to assist charities, community interest companies, parish councils, voluntary groups and other not for profit organisations who wish to deliver community-based carbon reduction projects that contribute to Suffolk’s Climate Emergency Plan and our vision for Suffolk to become carbon neutral by 2030.  The fund will support up to 50% of costs (up to a maximum of £10,000) for applications demonstrating that others in the community support the project in the form of contributions from a minimum of two other sources (not including your own funds) to make up the remaining project costs.

Aviva Community Fund – The fund helps local causes build stronger communities across the UK, with a focus on climate action and financial wellbeing. Funding is available for organisations looking to raise up to £50,000.

VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme – Groundwork – The VCSE Energy Scheme will help VCSE organisations deliver better services for people and communities by helping them save money on their energy bills. The scheme closes in August 2024. 

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape – Each year the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape is proud to open four grants schemes that fund local community projects. The schemes vary in purpose, scale of funding and geographic area with which they benefit, so it’s important to find the right fund for your project. There is currently one grant open: 
Sustainable Development Fund – closes 24th May 2024. 

Landscapes for All Fund – Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape – Grants are available for visits and activities within the Suffolk National Landscape boundary. Community groups and organisations can apply for grants between £500 to £2,000 to promote support for people to enjoy nature. This funding is available until the end of September 2024. 

Village Halls small grants fund – Grants of between £2,000-£5,000 to help make improvements to rural community buildings. Grants are intended to supportprojects in village halls such as boiler replacements, insulation, toilet upgrades and new kitchens. Awards can be made to cover 20% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum amount of £5,000. The fund is open until December 2024. 

Lush Charity Pot – Lush Charity Pot grants provide targeted funding to small, grassroots groups delivering projects in the areas of animal protection, human rights, and the environment. This includes campaigning, and implemented projects for regeneration and rewilding. You can apply for a grant between £100-£10,000.

The National Lottery Community Fund – Climate Action Fund: The Climate Action Fund is The National Lottery’s commitment to help communities tackle climate change. We’re supporting communities to be environmentally sustainable. They will fund fund formal partnership projects that reach more people by either:

  • linking climate action to the everyday lives and interests of local communities. And inspiring them to take action.
  • influencing communities at a regional or national level. Like linking up groups across locations. Or a campaign that inspires change across one country, or the whole UK.

The minimum grant amount is £500,000, with an estimated deadline of early 2025. The National Lottery are running two webinars to help you learn more.

The Wickes Community Programme: The Wickes Community Programme is a project fund to support initiatives for Community areas. The fund is open to local community groups and charities.  There is a pot of money available for materials for community groups. Up to £200 can be signed off by the store manager and more agreed by the regional manager. You can find out more by popping into your local Wickes or visiting their page. 

Spar Community Cashback: Launching on the 11th April, shoppers from all over the UK can apply for a grant for an organisation or charity they feel deserves funding, with a total pool of grants at £100,000. All applicants need to do is share the exceptional contribution that a local organisation has made to their community and what the grant would be put towards. Applications will close on the 22nd May 2024.