When undertaking net zero projects, you are likely to need external funding.
This page is here to help you get started with this- it is not an exhaustive list of funders or exact guidance on how to successfully apply for grants, as every application is different.
Alongside this page, you can read about our Property Grants and find advice for listed buildings.
Carry out an audit
The first thing to consider is getting an energy audit done for your church, and hall if you have one. This will assess your current energy usage and cover different ways to reduce this, from smaller scale actions through to identifying which low carbon heating systems would be suitable for your building. You can apply for a Feasibility Funding grant to cover up to 60% of the cost of an audit.
Grants can have short opening windows, so doing the energy audit in advance means you’re ready to apply, rather than having to rush to gather all the information you need. If your boiler is nearing the end of its lifespan, an energy audit also has the added benefit of finding a suitable alternative before the boiler fails and the problem becomes critical.
Collaborate
It is also worth thinking about how you can work together with other churches, either in your circuit or across the district. It may be several churches are looking to do similar net zero projects- can you work together and jointly apply for grants? What resources, knowledge and experience can you share with one another? Is there a church leading the way on net zero in your area, who could share their story to encourage others?
There's no point reinventing the wheel and working at the circuit or district level might be more successful, as funders can see the increased impact on reducing carbon emissions and supporting local communities that joint projects bring. Your district may also have funding available- discuss this with them.
Prepare your application
Once you’re ready to apply for funding, funders will typically want to know;
- Your costed project plan- what do you want to achieve and why.
- The carbon impact of your project. Consider using a carbon footprint tool annually, like 360 carbon, to measure your baseline carbon emissions and monitor your progress on reducing them.
- How your project supports the local community. Funders may not award grants to churches for just being a place of worship- they will want to see how your church supports the local community, and how undertaking a net zero project will support this work.
- The other sources of funding you are using, particularly if they are match funding a project.
Funders
Funders to consider included;
- The Benefact Trust
- National Churches Trust
- National Lottery Heritage Fund
- National Lottery Climate Action Fund
- National Lottery Sustainable Steps Wales
- The Ashden Awards
- King Charles III Charitable Fund
- Garfield Weston Foundation
- UK Community Foundations
- The Stobart Sustainability Fund
- Net Zero Hubs, if you are applying at the district level
Other funding opportunities
You should also research any local funding opportunities. These may include:
- Solar or wind farms. They sometimes have small grants available for initiatives or community groups within a certain distance of the site.
- Landfill Communities Fund, if you are within 10 miles of a registered landfill site.
- Your Local Authority
For churches in England and Wales looking to switch from a fossil fuel heating system to either a heat pump or biomass boiler, you may be eligible for the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. You can read the eligibility criteria here.
For more information
The Church of England also has resources on fundraising for net zero carbon and the environment, which you may find helpful.