Climate Action Fund 2025/2026 – opening May 2025

We offer funding for projects that help tackle climate change or help restore nature in our district. These could centre on energy, biodiversity, waste and consumption, or transport and travel. Projects must have a community focus, increase awareness of climate change and recent declines in nature and encourage action.

How much is available and what can it be used for?

You can apply to our Climate Action Fund for grants from £250 to £10,000 per project, with a total of £100,000 available this year.

For the basic rules of the scheme and some project ideas please read our funding guidelines which you can download below.

Download Funding Guidance 2025/2026

For inspiration, please see some of the awards we have offered so far through the Fund:

Download the Climate Action Fund case studies leaflet

Hinksey Trail Regeneration and Sustainable Botley have both received grants from the Climate Action Fund. You can view presentations on their work here:

Hinksey Trail Regeneration
Hinksey Trail Regeneration progress video: https://youtu.be/dHzQ2xvDRpA
S ustaina ble Botley – Botley Energy Advice

Who can apply?

Any non-profit community organisations whose primary purpose is to benefit the residents of Vale of White Horse. Town and parish councils may apply individually and/or collaborate with local groups to apply on their behalf.

You don’t have to be a climate expert or established group to apply. We’re just as keen to hear from communities who are starting their journey to take action to tackle climate change and support nature recovery.

Return to an existing application

Helpful Tips

We have put together some tips for developing your project in the most sustainable way, and to help with your application:

Download helpful tips

Our Nature and Climate Action Plan 2025-29

The aims of the Climate Action Fund are a part of our Nature and Climate Action Plan (NCAP) 2025-29. The NCAP outlines actions the council will take to become carbon neutral by 2030. We will also support local efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the district.

For more information, see our climate action pages.

Protecting and enhancing our environment, building resilience and adapting to the effects of climate change and leading the district to carbon neutrality, are also priorities detailed in our Council Plan 2025-29.

Equalities

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and welcome applications from organisations representing minority or vulnerable groups. We encourage all applicants to make their projects as inclusive and accessible to all as possible.

Get in touch

After reviewing our funding guidance, if you have any questions about the scheme and whether your project is eligible you are welcome to email us at grants@southandvale.gov.uk or get in touch with the climate and biodiversity team at climateaction@southandvale.gov.uk.