Council's Community Climate Fund extended for three years

Horsham District Council is delighted to announce that it has secured financial support for its Community Climate Fund for a further three years, offering local community groups up to £5000 to tackle climate change.

Since the Fund’s launch in 2020, some 50 community groups have benefitted by reducing their use of energy and water, minimising their waste and increasing their levels of cycling and walking. All of which has contributed to reducing carbon footprints, saving money and improving biodiversity levels across the Horsham District. So far over £190,000 has been awarded.

As a result of the new funding agreement, new applications for funds are now being welcomed from Tuesday 1 April 2025 to Wednesday 30 April. This will help voluntary and community groups, as well as Parish and Neighbourhood Councils to develop projects which will deliver long-term, tangible climate benefits for Horsham District.

The Council provides full support and advice throughout the application process which is completely free of charge.

The free advice package helps in areas such as setting up an appropriate organisation, completing your grant funding application form and supporting documents which are very straight forward, and promoting your achievements so that other groups can learn and benefit from your experience.

Commenting on the Community Climate Fund, Horsham District Council Director of Communities Paul Anderson said:

It’s great news that we have committed to a further three years of funding to support local groups to protect our local environment, helping drive our District to become net zero by 2050.

With a new tranche of funds available and plenty of free advice on offer I would encourage as many groups as possible to make an application. If you are committed to tackling climate change and ultimately saving money for your organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

One recent successful applicant was Colgate Parish Council which received enough funding to help them install solar panels to their Memorial Hall.

Chairman of the Parish Council Barry Humphreys said:

This funding is allowing us to both reduce our carbon footprint and importantly channel more fundraising income into community projects rather than energy bills.

Our community thanks go out to the Council for helping us make this happen.

The funds must be used for brand new projects, which will last beyond the funding provided by the Council and include a commitment to inform the wider community about the project and encourage others to take action.

Do get in touch to talk through your project ideas for free before applying by emailing communityclimatefund@horsham.gov.uk calling 01403 215156 or going to our Community Climate Fund Page.

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