FUNDING FOR DECARBONISATION PROJECTS
We appreciate that funding is often the key to delivering a project, whether for feasibility studies, detailed design or capital costs. We’re also well aware that funding opportunities are constantly changing so we aim to keep ourselves up to date. Here are some funding routes you might find interesting with links so you can read up on them too.
GREAT BRITISH ENERGY COMMUNITY FUND
The Great British Energy Community Fund reopened on 17 September 2026. It has £20 million to help community organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland develop and build community-owned clean energy projects. The fund is part of the first £30 million wave of Great British Energy's Local Power Plan.
Funding comes in three stages, and you apply for the stage your project has reached:
up to £40,000 for feasibility
up to £100,000 for development up to final investment decision
up to £3 million towards building a ready-to-build project, capped at 50% of capital costs
Eligible technologies include rooftop and ground-mounted solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage when it is combined with generation. Heat pumps and heat networks are eligible at the earlier stages if they are combined with another eligible technology.
Applicants must be an incorporated community organisation. That includes community benefit societies, CICs, co-operatives, development trusts, CIOs and incorporated charities. Town and parish councils can also apply. Projects must be at least 50% community owned once they are operating. Your Local Net Zero Hub can give advice and review a draft application before you submit it.
Applications close on 12 November 2026 at 11:55pm.
GREAT BRITISH PARTNERSHIPS GRANT
This is a new £5 million pilot for local authorities in England that are working with a community energy group or want to find one. The council must lead the application and the grant pays for early-stage work only, not construction:
up to £40,000 to form the partnership and test feasibility
up to £100,000 for development work such as detailed design, planning and grid applications
The community partner must own at least 50% of the project once it is operating. Town and parish councils cannot apply for this grant, but they can apply to the Community Fund above.
Applications close on 12 November 2026 at 11:55pm.
NON-PUBLIC SECTOR FUNDING
These funding routes are ideal for non-public sector groups, such as churches and community-led organisations, to explore.
The National Lottery Awards for All A quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding up to £20,000 with a good success rate.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund Funding a broad range of projects that connect people and communities to the UK's heritage. From historic buildings, industrial legacy and the natural environment.
It has also been announced the Fund will continue supporting projects in churches, chapels, mandirs, mosques and more - offering grants from £10,000 to £10 million to help protect and celebrate these amazing historic buildings.
Historic England Places of Worship Renewal Fund A £92 million, four-year fund for urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship in England, with grants from £10,000 to £1 million.
Improvements such as new heating, or strengthening a roof to take solar panels, can be included as part of a larger repair project.
Energy audits count as eligible project development costs.
Priority goes to buildings in the most deprived areas.
Applicants are normally expected to contribute around 20% of costs.
Expressions of interest for Round 2 close on 2 October 2026 at 5pm. Further rounds are expected over the life of the fund, which runs to March 2030.
Methodists Grant Programme Funded primarily by donations from Methodist Insurance PLC, Benefact Trust's Methodist Grants programme provides grants to Methodist churches to run building development projects that focus on church growth (both numerically and spiritually), community engagement and improving accessibility, with applicants encouraged to demonstrate a focus on energy efficiency.
The Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) is regulated by Entrust The aim of the fund, is to enhance the provision of amenities and protect the environment in the localities of landfill activity.
Find a funder for your Project
Centre for Sustainable Energy Provide a list to help community groups find sources of funding for sustainable energy projects.
Northern Powergrid Foundation Community Grants for not-for-profit organisations with charitable projects in the North East, Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire that support the community in line with the Foundation’s priority areas of energy resilience, vulnerability, fuel poverty, levelling the rural divide, innovation, collaboration or charities. A maximum value of £20,000 is available.