Zero Carbon Communities Grant

Yes, Church buildings are eligible, provided they are used to provide a benefit to the Community. Please refer to our criteria and guidance paying particular attention to the stated objectives. Project proposals will be scored and prioritised for funding based on how well the answers to the questions fulfil the objectives given for each theme.

Yes, this could be considered, although we would expect the costs of land to be very high and as such it would probably be better if the grant was to pay for planting, equipment and sundries.

Yes, although please be aware that any funding provided by the ZCC grant would mean you would not be eligible for Renewable Heat Incentive payments from the Government. For this reason, we would expect applicants to have considered other sources of funding, including borrowing (to be paid back by with the RHI payments), where possible. You would also need to demonstrate that a heat pump is the right technology for your community building, for example as detailed on an energy survey and that you have strong community engagement plans. For further information, please refer to our criteria and guidance paying particular attention to the stated objectives. Project proposals will be scored and prioritised for funding based on how well the answers to the questions fulfil the objectives given for each theme.

We would welcome applications for EV charge points providing you can demonstrate the need within your community and that the charge points would be accessible to the public. Please note, we do not have a specific theme for EV changepoints so you would need to submit a very strong application via our ‘Other’ category, again including your Community engagement plans and part funding details (if applicable).

Wider community engagement can still be achieved and does not necessarily need to involve just one community group. Perhaps you could arrange a meeting for your community e.g. give a presentation at a Parish Council meeting or at your local school. We are looking for value for money, so if you are requesting the maximum amount, we would expect a high level of Community engagement in order to score highly. For further information, please refer to our criteria and guidance paying particular attention to the stated objectives. Project proposals will be scored and prioritised for funding based on how well the answers to the questions fulfil the objectives given for each theme.

Where additional funding has been agreed you will stand a better chance with the grant, particularly if you are requesting the full £15k. If the additional funding expected does not materialise, there is a chance your project cannot be completed. For further information, please refer to our criteria and guidance paying particular attention to the stated objectives. Project proposals will be scored and prioritised for funding based on how well the answers to the questions fulfil the objectives given for each theme.

You can include the number and sizes of trees to be planted and a sketch of the planting plan. Information on carbon measurements can be found at  UK Woodland Carbon Code website.

The eligibility criteria states that you need to be fully constituted. This is relatively easy to do but if you know of a group willing to apply on your behalf, such as your Parish Council, this would be the best approach. For further information, please refer to our criteria and guidance which also details on how to become a constituted group.