Local projects cutting carbon or tackling fuel poverty can now apply to the Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) Fund grant programme.
This popular grant programme is back for its eleventh year, thanks to funding from
BWCE as part of the work it does in supporting local communities.
Applications for grants of up to £5,000 are invited before the 31 October 2024
deadline.
Award-winning BWCE was set up in 2010 to own and develop renewable energy
projects and has since become one of the largest community-owned energy
companies in the UK. As a Community Benefit Society it gives surplus income to the
BWCE Fund, which is administered by Quartet Community Foundation giving grants to community groups and local environmental organisations.
Earlier this year 10 projects in or near B&NES received £40,505 in funding to lower
carbon emissions or address fuel poverty. These grants supported:
Energy efficiency in community buildings and transport through installation
of wifi heating controls, more efficient heating and insulation in buildings (Bishop
Sutton Village Hall, Marksbury School, More Trees BANES); a topgraphical
survey for a proposed new cycle route (Cycle Chippenham); and the
development of a physical Climate Hub in Bath (Climate Hub Bath & North East
Somerset)
Environmental Education through investment in a thermal imaging camera to
help people to learn how to save energy and reduce fuel costs (Freshford and
Limpley Stoke Home Energy Group); HOW TO Reduce Waste Project in rural
schools (Bath Share & Repair); work tackling food waste and poverty, providing
free meal events using surplus food from suppliers (Bath Community Kitchen)
and a paid freelance worker to develop projects and volunteer recruitment and
retention (Transition Bath).
Domestic energy efficiency through provision of energy saving winter warmth
items for people affected by poverty and disadvantage (Genesis Trust)
Jane Wildblood, Chair of Trustees for BWCE Fund, said: “This is a critical decade for
taking action on the climate emergency and we are delighted to be able to support
local organisations that are reducing carbon emissions and/or tackling fuel poverty.
Our funds are provided by BWCE, a member owned community business that generates clean, renewable, community energy.
Thanks to BWCE, since 2014, the fund has awarded 101 grants worth over
£315,000 through this grant programme”.
Quartet Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Manager, Angela Emms said: “We’re
delighted to continue working with the BWCE Fund. As charities are facing both
increasing costs and increasing demands, this grant programme has the double
benefit of supporting projects which reduce carbon emissions or
tackle fuel poverty. Carbon reduction does not just relate to energy projects; it might include
local food, sustainable transport or waste reduction or indeed any activity that
reduces carbon emissions. This year we would particularly welcome applications
relating to fuel poverty/affordable warmth, ensuring that everyone can access and
afford energy this winter.”
Case study – Warm Kits to help people affected by Fuel Poverty for Genesis
Trust
A grant of £4,500 from Bath & West Community Energy Fund grant programme, has
provided items including slow cookers, hats, gloves, flasks, power banks, duvets,
blankets, double glazing sheets, coal, kindling and waterproof items such as gloves
and socks.
Kelly Hall, Genesis Trust:
“We supplied items to help people keep warm and reduce their energy bills across
the colder months via both Life Projects and Bath Foodbank. During this time we
supported a range of individuals and families affected by poverty, homelessness and
other disadvantage. This year we trialed a new way of proving warm kits, focusing on
what people actually needed instead of distributing a set of pre-defined items. The
needs varied between those who were homeless, those living on boats and those in
accommodation. It was wonderful to be able to tailor our support to meet the needs
of individuals. We were delighted to be able to work closely with local suppliers like
Francis DIY to order and receive items on a rolling basis to meet the need. The
project has reduced energy costs at the same time as reducing their carbon
footprints.
We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Bath and West
Community Energy Fund.”
Find out more and apply before 31 October
Groups are invited to apply to the BWCE Fund grant programme before 1pm on
Thursday 31 October 2024. Interested projects need to apply through the Quartet
Community Foundation website: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grants/bath-west-
Full details of the grants awarded in previous years can be found on BWCE’s
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