Programme overview
The programme will address knowledge and funding gaps to enable the development and delivery of community-led climate action projects.
Who can apply
Voluntary or community organisations (with less than 250 staff) operating in North Yorkshire including:
- registered charities
- charitable incorporated organisations
- community interest companies
- community benefit societies
- not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee
- parish and town councils
Project related planning permission and building regulations must be in place or have been applied for at the time of application.
Application exclusions
- tenants with less than five years unexpired tenancy in the project property or those who do not have their landlord's permission for the project
- applicants who have already received a grant under this programme cannot reapply for more funding until six months after completion of their first award
What will be funded
Grants will be available for activity in the following areas:
- energy efficiency, low carbon heating
- renewable energy generation, storage options and grid capacity
- decarbonising transport
- circular economy opportunities - making the most of our resources, buildings and people, and minimising waste
- climate resilience and adaption
- supporting nature to thrive - where this has a greenhouse gas reduction or adaptation impact
Property based projects should take a 'fabric first' approach to improve energy efficiency prior to new heating and renewable energy installations.
Total funding available: £613,000 (revenue and capital grants) until February 2025.
Funding exclusions (particular types of project or spend)
- recoverable VAT
- buildings not available for use by the whole community, for example political club buildings, religious buildings
Amount of grant funding available
- £1,000 to £49,950
Match funding is required - up to 20%. Match funding can be in 'cash' or 'in kind', for example using volunteer time.
Programme specific outputs and outcomes that projects need to aim for
- an increased number of community-led projects
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions
The application should indicate why the project requires Shared Prosperity Fund grant support and at the level requested. This is particularly related to the 'return on investment' if energy efficiency or renewable energy technology is deployed.
Information on the type of projects that will be given priority
We will assess all applications fairly and competitively based on:
- alignment with the eligibility criteria listed under the ‘who can apply for support’ section
- alignment with the purpose outlined under each programme and a review of outcomes related to greenhouse gas reduction and adaptation
- the likelihood of your project being delivered before the end of February 2025 - for example risk factors such as good governance, planning permission, suppliers and match funding being in place
- the requirement for grant support for the project (could it proceed without the grant?) - this is particularly related to the ‘return on investment’ if energy efficiency or renewable energy technology is deployed
Programme procurement requirements
Two quotes must be provided for grant funded items.
Programme monitoring and evaluation requirements
Evaluation will be expected to be complete towards the end of a 12 month period (or February 2025 in the case of decarbonisation plans) when the support has had time to impact on practice or progress. A reminder will be sent at this time. The evaluation requirements will be stated/provided in the service level agreement at the point of agreeing to work with the team.
When do projects need to be completed by
- completion by February 2025
Information on application appraisal methods and award timescales
Pre-application forms will be screened for basic eligibility, for example, alignment with the criteria listed under the ‘who can apply for support’ section. If appropriate, your organisation will then be asked to submit a full application form. A contract officer will then be assigned to review the information and seek any further clarification required before project appraisal.
An independent panel will make recommendations for approval to the Shared Prosperity Fund Business and Low Carbon Theme Group, which meets on a bi-monthly basis. You will be notified if your application has been successful and any specific terms and conditions associated with the grant and a funding agreement will be sent for grant applications. Payments will be made in arrears, when your project has been completed, unless by prior arrangement.
Opening date for applications
- 25 September 2023
Closing date for applications
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the funds are fully allocated.
How to apply
Please complete a pre-application form. This is available on the UK shared prosperity fund page.
Further information
Data protection
Please note that by submitting a pre-application or full application form, you are consenting to any personal data collected being processed by North Yorkshire Council and shared with partners involved in the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This includes the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and its contractors. The personal data will be held for the purposes of contacting applicants and assessing applications. You can find out about your data protection and subject access rights on our website.