Merton continues to drive climate action and community enhancement with the 2024 Civic Pride – Investing in Neighbourhoods and Community Climate Action Funds.
Bids open the week commencing 30 September 2024, for the Civic Pride – Investing in Neighbourhoods Fund and the Community Climate Action Fund.
The Community Climate Action fund, now in its second year, supports community-led projects that help reduce carbon emissions or build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Approximately £166,000 will be made available annually over the three years (2023-2025), allowing future opportunities for residents or groups who may not be ready to bid this year or were not initially successful.
Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Ross Garrod said:
“Our commitment to making Merton a more sustainable and resilient borough is central to our mission. By aligning part of the Civic Pride Fund with our Climate Strategy and Action Plan, we are taking a significant step towards achieving our environmental goals.
The Community Climate Action Fund empowers residents and community groups to make a tangible difference in our fight against climate change.”
The £750,000 Neighbourhoods Fund is to support projects which address demands placed on communities by new development, such as housing.
Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride said:
“We’re really excited to announce that our Civic Pride Fund will continue to support community-led projects that address local priorities and enhance our neighbourhoods. We funded 25 exciting projects last year, and we look forward to seeing this year’s applications and the innovative ideas they will bring.
With both funds, we’re strengthening community engagement and ensuring Merton becomes an even more vibrant and inclusive place where everyone can thrive and be proud of.”
Communications to raise awareness of the funds will begin in July to allow sufficient time for bidders to develop project proposals before the funds launch this autumn. To streamline the process for residents and organisations, there will be one application form for both funds.
This form will be available from early August via Civic Pride Funds | Merton Council to give residents and organisations more time to develop project proposals before the funds open for bids this autumn. We are also launching a useful webinar and FAQ sheet for guidance to make it even easier to apply for the funds, which will also be available on the website.
To discover which previous projects received support from the funds, please see: Civic Pride Funds: Investing in Neighbourhoods | Merton Council. To learn more about Merton’s Climate Strategy and Action Plan, visit: www.merton.gov.uk/climatechange .
NOTES
- Merton’s Community Climate Action Fund and Merton’s Civic Pride Fund – Investing in Neighbourhoods is due to open week commencing 30 September 2024 and will be open for 5 weeks.
- There will be one application form for both funds to make the process as streamlined as possible for residents and organizations. The bidding form will be available from early August via Civic Pride Funds | Merton Council to give residents and organisations more time to develop project proposals before the funds open for bids this autumn. Merton’s Community Climate Action Fund will be worth £500,000 over three years (approximately £166,000 per year) and will be open for bids led by the community, not council projects. The fund supports initiatives that help reduce carbon emissions or build resilience to the impacts of climate change. This is the second year of this fund.
- Please see www.merton.gov.uk/climatechange for more information on Merton’s Climate Strategy and Action Plan, and progress against the projects delivering it set out in Merton’s annual Climate Delivery Plans.
- Merton’s Civic Pride Fund – Investing in Neighbourhoods fund will be worth approximately £750,000. Merton Council’s website www.merton.gov.uk/civic-pride/neighbourhood hosts information on previous projects supported by this fund.