Northern community groups invited to apply for £100,000 sustainability fund

Northern community groups that show an innovative approach to sustainability are invited to apply for a share of £100,000.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), Northern Powergrid and Leeds Community Foundation have opened the annual, award-winning Community Partnering Fund for entries, with a bigger fund pot available than previous years.

The first phase will award grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 from a £50,000 fund pot, which will be distributed to grassroots projects and third-sector organisations, enabling the three fund partners to broaden their support for local communities in the process.

Northern Gas Networks has also pledged to give back a further £2,000 to a deserving initiative following a fundraising drive that recognised and rewarded customer participation in a survey to help shape its future business plan, for 2021 – 2026, earlier this year.

Groups expected to apply are those who assist with the hardship associated with fuel poverty, those that promote knowledge of energy efficiency and initiatives that inform the public about home safety, are eligible to apply for the funding.

Likewise, projects that encourage interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects and associated career opportunities, or groups that promote the free Priority Services Register, which supports energy customers in vulnerable situations, will also be considered for the grants and training on offer through the scheme.

The second phase of the programme, scheduled for early next year, will award an additional £50,000 to worthwhile projects.

Tom Bell, Head of Social Strategy at Northern Gas Networks, the gas distributer for the North of England, said: ‘The Community Partnering Fund is open and ready to support many of the incredible projects taking place in our communities.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity to boost the great work being delivered by inspiring individuals and teams.  As a business based in the heart of communities, we are committed to giving back to the areas that we work in and that our team call home, and we wish everyone entering this year the very best of luck.’

Applications for the annual Community Partnering Fund programme will be accepted from September 4 until October 15 2019.

For more information, search for #CommunityPartneringFund on social media or visit www.leedscf.org.uk/community-partnering-fund to apply for a grant.