The National Lottery Community Fund has given its Climate Action Fund an £8m boost, and is inviting applications from charities with projects focused on tackling climate change
It is seeking submissions from community projects across the UK that are focused on the link between nature and the climate.
Groups can apply for up to £1.5m of funding over two to five years to support their project, which should also encourage “community-led climate action” and assist communities in tackling the climate crisis.
The funding body said it expects most projects to receive funding of between £300,000 and £500,000.
But it will also consider development grants ranging from £50,000 to £150,000 across 12 to 18 months for charities working on initial ideas.
The Climate Action Fund was launched in 2019 and is a 10-year, £100m fund intended to support people and communities to reduce their carbon footprint and get to net zero.
To date, the fund has awarded nearly £37m to 48 projects.
NLCF said it is looking to fund between 12 and 15 projects, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applications are open to community and voluntary organisations, charities, public sector, and those working in partnerships.
NLCF is holding four virtual events with more information on the fund in July, August and September.
Nick Gardner, head of climate action at the funder, said: “We know communities have a big role to play when it comes to the climate emergency, and we’re excited to again be accepting applications to the Climate Action Fund to support climate action.
“We’re looking to provide National Lottery funding to projects across the UK that explore deeper connections with nature, change behaviours and bring nature back into the places we live and work, helping communities to reduce or adapt to the impacts of climate change.”