Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) are excited to announce a new £100k climate action fund for communities in Edinburgh – called “GreenLight”.
Funded by the Scottish Government, ECCAN’s mission is to encourage transformational change across all of Edinburgh’s communities. The new £100k GreenLight fund will be open to community groups and organisations, to help them deliver projects which increase local action to combat climate change.
ECCAN’s membership is free and open to individuals, community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. You can apply for amounts from £375 up to £20,000 for larger projects. Proposals could include ways to cut vehicle carbon emissions, refurbish or recycle to avoid waste, raise awareness, provide training, or other ideas to act, understand or participate in community climate action.
ECCAN’s Network Lead Mark Dowey said: “In our first round of seed grants earlier this year we funded some terrific projects including those promoting cycling, re-distributing surplus food, refurbishing electrical items and providing information on home energy efficiency.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone in Edinburgh who wants to help our city transition to net zero, as well as those already taking action. Let’s keep the momentum going and deliver real change in our communities.
“As well as empowering people to act and to raise awareness, we are working to link up Edinburgh’s network of groups, to build climate resilience. A portion of the GreenLight fund will be available specifically for projects which enhance collaboration and co-ordination between communities, to help drive capacity in the city to deliver substantive change on the ground.”
Two key principles of the programme are to incorporate Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and to support a just transition that is fair to all.
ECCAN’s Members & Events Lead Victoria Briones said: “We want to make GreenLight funding accessible to all, and welcome applications from minority groups, young people and those from disadvantaged areas.
“We would also love to hear from groups that might not have a climate focus but wish to get involved. This might include sports clubs, faith groups and anyone else that sees a pressing need to adapt to climate change in their community.”
Applications will open 19th August for three weeks, with awards announced at the end of September during Climate Week.
For guidance on how to apply please visit www.eccan.scot.
To note an expression of interest or for any other queries, please contact greenlight@eccan.scot.