Climate Change Opportunity Fund 2024/25
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is providing a £1 million Climate Change Opportunity Fund. This will support innovative, collaborative, and impactful projects that align with the region’s Climate Action Plan.
This funding aims to empower Local Authorities, Parish Councils, community organisations, not-for-profit and social enterprises to decarbonise, while enhancing sustainability and climate resilience.
The fund supports initiatives that:
- Advance the Climate Action Plan’s objectives
- Enable collaboration and innovation (with projects that can inspire more action).
- Deliver measurable decarbonisation, adapting to more extreme weather impacts, and solutions that work with our natural environment.
Application Timeline
- Applications Opened: Monday 25 November 2024.
- Expression of Interest Deadline: 5 PM, Friday 3rd January 2025.
- Application Deadline: 5 PM, Friday 17 January 2025.
- We are aiming to announce funding decisions: By Monday 17 March 2025.
Focus Areas
Projects need to be capital projects that support the Climate Action Plan objectives. Examples of eligible projects might be:
- Community energy initiatives, including renewable energy.
- Supporting use of low carbon fuels.
- Using nature to address climate impacts such as natural flood resilience.
- Innovative approaches to cutting emissions, with high value for money.
- Projects that provide adaptation to the impacts of a changing climate
- Projects that change market behaviour
- Unlocking crucial ‘building blocks’ needed for a low carbon future
Grant Amounts:
- Funding is for capital projects (so physical assets not people costs)
- Funding from £50k to £150k for individual projects
- Up to £250k for exceptional collaborative projects
- Projects demonstrating collaboration with partners are welcomed
Match Funding: A 10% contribution is required to be put into the project by the successful applicants (cash or in-kind).
Timeline: Funds must be spent by 31 March 2026.
Climate Action Plan: Please click here to view – Climate Action Plan
Key Points to note:
Remember that projects need to align with Climate Action Plan objectives and deliver tangible environmental benefits.
It would be beneficial if projects can be replicated or scaled up in the region.
Projects should avoid replacing existing mainstream funding.
How to Apply
- Complete an Expression of Interest form Please click here. Guidance to applying is here: EOI Guidance Document
- Once your Expression of Interest form is checked and passed, you will be contacted and invited to download the Full Application Pack. Links to comprehensive guidance notes, templates, resources, the scoring framework and the Full Application Form will be provided. An example of the Full Application Form can be found here: Application Form and you can find application guidance here: Application Guidance
- Submit Application: An acknowledgement will be sent after receipt.
- Support Events:
-
- Virtual Briefing: 27 November 2024, 13:30
- Virtual Briefing: 4 December 2024, 17:30
- Application workshop: 11 December 2024, 14:00 Eventbrite registration link.
- A full recording of the briefing session can be found here: https://youtu.be/IkQmMYeNI8U
Please click here to view the briefing presentation slides:
Climate Opportunity Fund Briefing Slides
The following organisations who operate in the CPCA region are eligible to apply:
- Local Authorities and Parish Councils.
- Constituted voluntary and community organisations.
- Charities, social enterprises, and other non-profits.
Support and Resources
The Combined Authority is committed to assisting applicants in preparing strong submissions. Available resources for completing the Full Application Form include:
- A dedicated toolkit with guidance notes and templates.
- Email and telephone support – please contact environment@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk to arrange a support call/answer any questions you may have.
- Advice on match funding and subsidy control requirements.
Get Involved
Take action on climate change and support the region’s journey to net zero.
Apply to the Climate Change Opportunity Fund and help deliver innovative, impactful solutions for a sustainable future.
For questions or additional information, contact environment@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk.
Outcomes and Success Factors
Successful projects will contribute to the Combined Authority climate targets by delivering outcomes such as:
- Significant carbon emission reductions
- Enhanced water management
- Scalable and replicable solutions fostering long-term sustainability.
The application process will be transparent and fair, aiming to identify investment-ready projects that align with Climate Action Plan objectives.