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

Low carbon and energy efficiency:

Suffolk Climate Action Community Match Fund – The Fund is 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.

West Suffolk Solar for Business – West Suffolk Solar for Business is a scheme run by West Suffolk Council which provides and installs solar panels onto the roof of your business for free. Electricity is generated from the panels and sold to you at a rate lower than your current electricity tariff to help you cut your energy bills.

West Suffolk Greener Business Grant – The Green Business Grant is funded by West Suffolk Council to help local businesses and organisations reduce their energy use. Up to £1,000 is available to fund capital works.

National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) open programmes – Reaching Communities Fund and Awards for All funding programmes support a wide range of activities and sectors for community organisations, including supporting environmental focused projects. Projects will need to address the wider strategic aims and ambitions of the funding criteria too. Grants range from £300 to over £10,000.

Adnams Community Trust – Not-for-profit and schools can apply for revenue or capital grants from £100-£2,500 towards a range of community projects, including those with environment and conservation outcomes. Projects must take place within 25-mile radius of Southwold.

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.

Landscapes and biodiversity:

Climate Action Fund – Delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund, they’re looking for projects that focus on the link between nature and climate. They want to fund projects that use nature to encourage more community-led climate action. Grants available up to £1.5 million over 2 to 5 years, with most projects between £300,000 and £500,000. Development grants of £50,000 to £150,000 over 12 to 18 months.

Suffolk and Essex Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) annual grants scheme – An annual grants scheme that sees over £110,000 given to community projects across Essex and Suffolk has opened for applications. The AONB grants wish to support projects that show innovation, social inclusion, sustainability, public benefit and partnership working. Individuals as well as organisations such as schools, businesses and community groups are welcome to apply.

East Suffolk Nature First Small Grants Scheme – Available to voluntary and community groups to apply for funding to help promote biodiversity in East Suffolk. The grant scheme, delivered by the Greenprint Forum, is open to projects that may include work to restore existing habitats, creation of habitats, provision of nesting/roosting places for birds, pollinators and other animals, or activities to help local people of any age learn about and enjoy their local biodiversity. Grants range from £250-£1,000.

National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) open programmes – Supporting landscapes and nature projects is a funding priority for NLHF, particularly ones that support nature’s recovery, deliver nature-based solutions to address climate change and reconnect people to landscapes and nature. Environmental sustainability is expected to be embedded into applicants’ decision making, and projects will need to reach the mandatory outcome of engaging a wider range of people. Grants range from £3,000 up to millions of pounds.

Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) –  LCF enables Landfill Operators in England and Northern Ireland, and their chosen grant-making partners, to help create significant environmental and public benefits. SUEZ Communities Trust provides funds to not-for-profit organisations to undertake work that is eligible under the LCF in Suffolk and further afield. Biodiversity and restoration/enhancement of a natural habitat, public amenities and historic buildings are areas of work which qualify for funding. To be eligible, the project must be located within one of their active funding zones. Grants of up to £50,000 available.

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation – Working with others and supporting projects to preserve and improve species health and habitats, sustainable and ethical food, and clean and healthy freshwater. Various grant amounts available.

Alfred Williams Charitable Trust – Charities and community groups can apply for grants (£500-£1,000) for projects in the area of natural and man-made environment and heritage in Suffolk only. Conservation and restoration is included, but not on-going activities or routine maintenance.

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 download the VCSE bi-weekly Grants Alert.