Here is a list of organisations that fund community energy activities in London. To save yourself time and energy, please ensure you research the eligibility thoroughly to ensure your activities are relevant to the funder.
A comprehensive list of funding opportunities is available through Community Energy England’s website, but please be aware these may not all be available for London.
Funds from the London Mayor
The Mayor of London has developed a number of funding initiatives that may be helpful for community energy projects in London.
London Community Energy Fund – currently closed but will hopefully reopen later this year
Council & London-Specific Funds
Camden Council Climate Fund: Community Energy Grant – Closes 1st July 2022
Islington – Various funds
Hackney – Announced in June 2022 it will open later this year
Interested in getting your Council to introduce a community energy fund? Please email [email protected].
London Community Foundation – Lists all the open funds
Funding from National Government
Levelling Up Fund – Open to local authorities
Fuel Poverty & Energy Efficiency
Ebico Trust – currently closed but will be reopening later this year focussing on research on the impacts of the Zero Carbon transition on affordability and support for innovation in affordable low carbon home heating
Power to Change – various programmes including their climate action one which will reopen this year
UK Power Networks – Power Partners – Another round will hopefully open in Autumn 2022
Energy Saving Trust – Redress Scheme – Will reopen later this year (Frequently need to partner with a registered charity to be eligible)
National Funders
National Lottery – they have numerous funds including:
Support For Community Shares – In England the Booster Fund is currently open which has Development Grants (averaging £5,000, to prepare a community share offer: financial planning, governance support, marketing costs and being awarded the Community Shares Standard Mark) and Equity Match Investment (typically matching pound-for-pound up to £25,000 invested by the Booster Fund, providing the minimum share offer target is achieved).
Naturesave Trust – for tree planting programmes, sustainability advice and grant funded projects including nature conservation, renewable energy and creating more sustainable communities.
Friends Provident – Reopening in August 2022
Action Funder – Submit a project proposal and be matched to a funder
Co-Operative Local Community Fund – A new round should be opening in spring 2022.
Funds from Business
Veolia Environment Fund – Community Grant Scheme is available to constituted not-for-profit organisations, local authorities and Environmental Bodies (EBs). Grants of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to create or improve buildings or outside spaces for the benefit of the community. Only certain postcodes are eligible.
Viridor Credits – up to £100,000 available for capital funding (location restrictions apply, and certain buildings ineligible e.g. schools/ hospitals/ day centres. Also 10% of funds must be match funded). Various deadlines and eligible locations.
Triodos Community Renewables Underwriting Facility (T-CRUF) – open now, £10 millon launched June 2019
Other fantastic resources are NCVO’s newly updated funding section and My Funding Central that have information on grants, fundraising and public services. NB a subscription starts at £50/year.