Grants of up to £50,000 are on offer to local groups aiming to fund projects that promote climate action in the Park and Warley districts of Calderdale.
Calderdale is set to receive £140,000 from the Community Grants for Climate Action Fund, an initiative led by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and managed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Calderdale Council, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Calderdale, will oversee the fund locally. Grants ranging from £5,000 to £50,000 are accessible to execute projects that will assist the Park and Warley areas in becoming more eco-friendly and resilient to climate shifts.
Eligible applicants include community and voluntary groups, as well as social enterprises, with projects slated for completion by December 2024.
Funding could benefit projects geared towards enhancing awareness of climate change and its local ramifications. Additionally, support and guidance will be put in place to encourage more residents to take climate action.
The funding emphasis is on the Park and Warley wards, building on the triumph of the Inclusive Economy pilot programme in the region, which saw substantial involvement and implementation by local community organisations.
These community grants for climate action seek to build upon this groundwork, uniting people, investments, and resources for maximum impact. The funding will bolster community proposals for greener, cleaner, and climate-ready neighbourhoods, supporting fresh initiatives and building upon the efforts of existing groups and projects that are already engaging the local community on environmental matters and enhancing skills.
The grants also align with the borough’s preliminary Climate Action Plan, with community action being a central focus. The plan underscores the significance of collaborating with both emerging and established community groups to formulate climate solutions and mutually foster the growth of ideas.
For further information or details on the application process, please visit the Calderdale Community Grants for Climate Projects page on the Community Foundation For Calderdale website (cffc.co.uk). The application deadline is Monday, 11th December 2023.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Active Travel and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said; “Climate change is something which affects us all, and we can all take action to mitigate the impacts. We want to engage with communities across Calderdale to reinforce the message that we all have a role to play, and only by working together can we achieve our ambitious net zero targets.
“This funding will benefit groups in the Park and Warley areas to support climate initiatives in this part of the borough. We know that people in Calderdale are passionate about protecting our distinctive environment and many community groups in Calderdale are already leading the way on climate action. We want to support local groups to develop schemes which will make a real difference in their community.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said; “As we work to deliver our mission of a net zero West Yorkshire by 2038, we need to make sure that no community is left behind.
“That’s why we’re stepping in to help communities transition to net zero and become more resilient to climate change.
“We’re working with our partners and local people across the region to make positive, greener changes that will benefit all.”
Steve Duncan, CEO at Community Foundation for Calderdale, said; “We are delighted to be working with Calderdale Council to support community climate action in Park and Warley. Local people are best placed to understand the challenges they need to overcome and the solutions that will work for them. This fund provides an opportunity to build on the excellent work already taking place in the area; to strengthen that work and help communities become more resilient in the face of climate change.”
