Grants of up to £5,000 are being offered to local charities and organisations as part of efforts to cut carbon and tackle fuel poverty in the Bath area.
The popular Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) Fund grant programme, which is returning for its eleventh year, is offered thanks to surplus income from BWCE.
Award-winning BWCE was set up in 2010 to own and develop renewable energy projects and has since become one of the largest community-owned energy companies in the UK.
As a Community Benefit Society, it gives surplus income to the BWCE Fund, which is administered by Quartet Community Foundation, giving grants to community groups and local environmental organisations.
Applications for grants of up to £5,000 are invited before the 31st October 2024 deadline.
Earlier this year ten projects in or near B&NES received £40,505 in funding to lower carbon emissions or address fuel poverty.
These grants supported:
- Energy efficiency in community buildings and transport through installation of wifi heating controls, more efficient heating and insulation in buildings (Bishop Sutton Village Hall, Marksbury School, More Trees BANES); a topgraphical survey for a proposed new cycle route (Cycle Chippenham); and the development of a physical Climate Hub in Bath (Climate Hub Bath & North East Somerset).
- Environmental Education through investment in a thermal imaging camera to help people learn how to save energy and reduce fuel costs (Freshford and Limpley Stoke Home Energy Group); HOW TO Reduce Waste Project in rural schools (Bath Share & Repair); work tackling food waste and poverty, providing free meal events using surplus food from suppliers (Bath Community Kitchen) and a paid freelance worker to develop projects and volunteer recruitment and retention (Transition Bath).
- Domestic energy efficiency through the provision of energy-saving winter warmth items for people affected by poverty and disadvantage (Genesis Trust).
Jane Wildblood, Chair of Trustees for BWCE Fund, said: “This is a critical decade for taking action on the climate emergency and we are delighted to be able to support local organisations that are reducing carbon emissions and/or tackling fuel poverty.
“Our funds are provided by BWCE, a member-owned community business that generates clean, renewable, community energy.
“Thanks to BWCE, since 2014, the fund has awarded 101 grants worth over £315,000 through this grant programme.”
Angela Emms, Quartet Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Manager, added: “We’re delighted to continue working with the BWCE Fund.
“As charities are facing both increasing costs and increasing demands, this grant programme has the double benefit of supporting projects which reduce carbon emissions or tackle fuel poverty.
“Carbon reduction does not just relate to energy projects; it might include local food, sustainable transport or waste reduction or indeed any activity that reduces carbon emissions.
“This year we would particularly welcome applications relating to fuel poverty/affordable warmth, ensuring that everyone can access and afford energy this winter.”
