Unlock New Funding Opportunities for Community-Led Climate and Nature Initiatives!

Stroud District Council is rolling out a second round of climate and nature small grants. This exciting initiative aims to support local groups focused on tackling climate change and restoring nature in the area.

Community organizations, town councils, and non-profits can now apply for grants up to £2,000. The goal? To fund projects that:

• Help communities adapt to climate change.
• Encourage people to lower their carbon footprints.
• Promote biodiversity and nature recovery.

Applications are open until midday on July 10, and you can submit them in various formats. This flexibility makes it easier for everyone to take part.

Cllr Tricia Watson, vice chair of the environment committee, emphasized the importance of these grants. "Local action is key to fighting climate change. These funds empower communities to make a real impact," she said. The council is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions and restoring local biodiversity.

For eligibility, organizations must:

• Be officially established and operate within the Stroud district.
• Have an active bank account in their name.
• Provide interim evidence by October 2025 and a final report by March 2026.
• Clearly outline how they will use the funding and sustain project outcomes.

Projects should also detail how they’ll share results with the council by March 2026 and quantify the number of people or area affected.

In the first round, 18 applicants submitted diverse projects across the district. Efforts included initiatives to connect communities with nature, enhance biodiversity, promote sustainable building, and encourage renewable energy use. These varied projects indicate a strong local commitment to environmental sustainability.

However, organizations that received grants earlier in 2025 cannot apply this time.

This grant program aligns with broader trends in environmental action. Recent studies show that community-led initiatives are critical. Research indicates that grassroots efforts can lead to significant changes in local behaviors and attitudes toward climate action. According to a 2022 survey by the Environmental Protection Agency, communities that engage residents through targeted projects see a 30% increase in participation rates for environmental programs.

For further information, check out the council’s official site here.

Stroud’s commitment to empowering local communities in the fight against climate change is a model for others to follow.

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