Community Match Funder

Are you a group of volunteers, charity, community interest company or parish council looking for funding for your carbon reduction project? Over the last two years the community match fund, which is funded by Suffolk’s Public Sector Leaders, supported projects with a combined total value of over £650,000. You can apply today!

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The climate action community match funder is designed to support not for profit groups and organisations who wish to deliver carbon reduction projects that align with our vision for a net zero Suffolk set out in the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan.

Our fund will pay for 50% of your project’s costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, for projects that have already received funding (from a minimum of two other sources in the community) that make up the remaining project costs.

A group of students and parents cycling to school together.

You can demonstrate the support from other sources easily through an online community fundraising platform. The value of time committed by volunteers in the delivery of the project can also be counted towards the 50% funding you need to raise!

We are looking for projects that help Suffolk become net zero. For example, projects that:

promote walking and cycling (also known as active travel)
use sustainable/recycled materials
raise awareness of climate change through events and campaigns
generate renewable energy

How does it work?

Plan your project and read our guidelines
Seek funding from others in the community – head over to our Funding Opportunities page to find grants that might be able to help.
Submit a simple online expression of interest form.  If we think we can support your project, we will issue you with a conditional letter of intent to provide a grant, which may help you secure the remaining funds you need.
Once you have reached at least 50% of your total project costs, comprised of donations from multiple unique sponsors, submit a full application form (part a and part b) to formally request a grant.

NOTE: If your project requires the installation of energy saving measures (such as solar panels, heat pumps or insulation on a community building), an energy audit on the existing building will be required through Groundwork East prior to full application. However, we will arrange and pay for this. In addition, a commitment to run a community engagement event/project on climate change will be required.

The Suffolk climate action community match fund only has limited resources each financial year so make sure you contact us if you are considering applying.

If you would like to learn more about the project, please contact Jess on Jess.Miller@suffolk.gov.uk. If you are developing an idea and need some advice please contact David Walton on david.walton@suffolk.gov.uk.

Community match fund guidelines

Community match fund application part A

Community match fund application part B