Climate Emergency and Social Enterprise Grants

Climate Emergency and Resilience Fund grant application guidance

Before you begin

This guidance relates to grant applications for the Climate Emergency and Resilience Fund.

In South Lanarkshire, Climate Emergency and Resilience Grants are available to community groups and organisations who need funding to pursue environmental, sustainability, or climate change projects.

What is a Climate Emergency and Resilience Grant?

This scheme has been created to allow local community groups and partner organisations operating in the South Lanarkshire Council area to apply for small amounts of funding to pursue environmental, sustainability or climate change projects.

How much can I apply for?

Up to £2,500 (but more funding may be available for flood protection, energy efficiency or renewable energy projects). If you want to discuss the eligibility of a project please email sustainability@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

What can it be used for?

The fund can be used for community projects which embrace the council’s climate change, sustainability, and climate adaptation objectives:

Improved air quality
Increased climate resilience
Improved resource efficiency
Increased active travel opportunities
Increased/enhanced urban greenspace
Improved outdoor access
Reduction in the reliance of fossil fuels
Improved energy efficiency
The use of renewable technology
Increased renewable energy generation
Reduction in waste
Supporting the circular economy
Adapting to climate change e.g. flood protection

Who can apply?

Applicants should either be a community group officially operating in South Lanarkshire Council or a partner organisation.

When can I apply?

One application can be made each financial year.

When will a decision be made?

A decision will be made within 30 days unless additional supporting information has been requested.

What can the fund not be used for?

Proposals that do not benefit residents or pupils within South Lanarkshire
The repayment of debt or loans
To pay group volunteers or organisational employees
Costs already incurred

Applicant responsibilities

The group /organisation applying for grant funding is responsible for:

Ensuring there is a demonstrable link to the aims of the council’s climate change, sustainability, and climate adaptation objectives
That any proposals in a public space are approved in advance to ensure that required safety standards and maintenance arrangements are agreed
Submitting a quote relating to the grant fund application
Groups/organisations must have an official bank account and council resources will supply a cost centre to which the funds will be credited
Ensuring that relevant risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place and that activities are adequately supervised
Tracking public funds and accepting that the council has a right to access information pertaining to grants awarded
Providing at least a six monthly update on the progress of the project and its benefit outcomes (this information may be used as part of an annual progress report to the council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee)
Offering full cooperation and assistance if the council requests information on financial issues

Additional information

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first serve basis
If your application is successful, you may not apply for a further grant in the same financial year
If your application is unsuccessful, you may reapply
Grants received must be spent within the specified period as agreed with South Lanarkshire Council and set out within the grant award letter. Evidence of spend must be supplied prior to this date. If not, recipients will be required to return funds to the council prior to the financial year-end
If annual funds are depleted, applications can be resubmitted the following financial year
The council’s decision on grant applications is final
Failure to follow the agreed reporting/evidence procedure following an award may result in future applications being rejected

If you need further information or assistance in completing the application, contact sustainability@southlanarkshire.gov.uk