Get £5,000 to kickstart climate and nature projects

Community projects helping to tackle climate change or boost nature recovery are being invited to bid for a cash injection of up to £5,000 from Cornwall Council and Crowdfunder.  

The Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund is aimed at supporting Cornwall to become carbon neutral, help nature recover, and to protect biodiversity in land, rivers, and seas.  

To apply, community groups need to have a crowdfunding project or set one up on the Crowdfunder website.  

If their activities meet the criteria they can apply for a grant to match funds up to 50% of costs up to £5,000.  

Cornwall Council say one project that has already benefitted is the Perranporth Life Saving Club which wanted to install solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint and fuel costs so they could spend more resources on training lifeguards and beach safety. 

They successfully raised over £12,000, including £5,000 from the Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund. 

Cllr Martyn Alvey, Cornwall's cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:

"Do you have an idea to help Cornwall tackle climate change and need some funding to help turn your idea into a reality?  

"Whether you want to plant a community garden, install renewable energy at your premises, protect local wildlife, or help local people connect with nature, this funding can help get you started.  

"Have a look at the criteria and see if your project could benefit from the Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund."  

Simon Deverell, co-founder and creative director at Crowdfunder, said:

"Our continued partnership with Cornwall Council will ensure that grassroots environmental projects get the funding they need to make a positive impact in Cornwall.  

"We've seen some fantastic eco causes in Cornwall, from surf clubs to community orchards, so we're looking forward to seeing even more projects over the coming year." 

Applications are invited from all sectors with priority given to projects showing a strong community impact and which promote public access.  

Grants will be allocated once the applicant has reached 25% of their target from a minimum of 25 unique backers.  

Cornwall Council says projects supporting one or more of the following themes will be considered. 

Helping Cornwall's climate emergency response by:  

• Reducing carbon emissions from homes, communities, the workplace and travel  
• Promoting low carbon choices and behaviour change  
• Creating new opportunities for renewable energy  
• Helping communities become resilient to a changing climate  
• Promoting the removal of carbon from the atmosphere through nature-based solutions - for example habitat restoration and tree planting  

Promoting nature recovery by:  

• Converting or restoring community greenspace to wildlife habitat  
• Environmental improvements to a community centre or village hall grounds  
• Coastal and marine projects  
• Local wildlife training and monitoring schemes  
• Reduction of invasive species, litter, noise or light pollution in the environment  
• Initiatives to help local people to connect with their environment  
• Activities which encourage people to grow nature and increase the public understanding and enjoyment of wildlife and heritage  

Tree planting projects are also eligible for Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund applications subject to the following additional eligibility criteria:  

• Projects must deliver a clear and long-lasting natural climate solution in the form of increased canopy cover and include watering and long-term management of at least five years  
• Project owners must have the landowner's permission where applicable before applications can be approved  
• For advice contact the Forest for Cornwall team at [email protected]  

The Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund is supported by Cornwall Council and public donations made via the Love Where You Are campaign.  

Apply here: Cornwall Council: Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund | Crowdfunder UK