Bradford District Community Climate Action Fund

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council in response to climate breakdown has joined with other citizens and communities in declaring a Climate Emergency.

Our goal is to achieve net zero carbon across Bradford District by 2038 by cutting our carbon emissions from energy, transport and services and removing carbon from the atmosphere using technology, tree planting and moorland restoration. Alongside actions to mitigate global warming we are improving resilience in the district to face existing and likely harmful environmental events and community threats.

We are taking action in 5 broad areas

Energy: reducing the amount of energy we use for heat and power and switching to low and zero carbon sources.
Transport: low and zero carbon transport, moving from fossil fuel to electric with more emphasis on public transport, walking and cycling.
Living well: taking steps to create a carbon free environment where people can live healthy lives.
Food and stuff: by reducing, reusing and recycling the materials consumed we reduce both carbon and the impact on natural resources.
Working with nature: planning land use and systems to capture carbon, build resilience, provide resources and leave space for nature.

Each constituency area has been allocated £60,000 and we are seeking to fund projects up to a maximum of £5,000 each (applications for larger amounts will be considered). These projects could include work on behaviour change and actions to increase cycling and walking and reduce car use, reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, increase the consumption of locally grown / climate friendly food or renewable energy, increase biodiversity and support nature.

Objectives of the fund

The Community Climate Action Fund aims to help communities through initiatives that can reduce our collective carbon footprint and support sustainable development.

To educate and raise awareness of climate change and sustainable development.

Examples to achieve these objectives might include

reduction of car usage
waste reduction (recycle, reuse or repair)
source more seasonal, locally grown foods
reduce energy consumption
energy efficiency of community buildings (insulation, ‘A’ rated appliances, LED lights)
production of onsite energy/renewable energy (solar panels, wind turbines)
more efficient heating systems (heat pumps)

What we want to see

Your project should be driven by an understanding of local needs, developing your ideas involving the people within your community.
The funding is focused on activities that have the potential to make a meaningful and lasting difference on the carbon footprint of your community.
It is important that the changes made are sustainable beyond the funding we might give. Long-term changes in behaviour, ways of working and practices need to be at the core of all local climate change activities.
We would particularly welcome ideas attracting match funding and partnership working.

What else do I need to know?

Grants should not exceed £5,000, however, if you have an inspiring project that exceeds this amount please contact the Area Co-ordinator to discuss your application.
Projects which cross constituency boundaries can be considered which may exceed £5,000.
Organisations must have a registered bank account in the name of the organisation, and they must be able to demonstrate fair and transparent governance arrangements including an Equal Opportunities policy.
Organisations working with children or vulnerable adults will need to demonstrate appropriate safeguarding policies.
A group or organisation can only apply once.
The funding is available district wide will be administered through the Council’s 5 Area Co-ordinator’s Offices.
An initial assessment will be made by a small group of officers on the content and strength of the application. Recommendations will be made to the Grants Advisory Group who will make the final decision. We will inform applicants about the outcome of their application as soon as possible.
Funding must be spent within 12 months of the date of the grant award being made.
A short report on the project and copies of receipts evidencing how all the money was spent should be submitted within 12 months of a grant been awarded.