Written by Coed Lleol Low Carbon Communities Challenge :  available to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  The fund aims to support a range of capital improvement projects that will help tackle climate change. Funding is split between ‘first mover’ communities – already recognised as exemplars for their carbon reduction plans – and ‘second movers’, with less experience but clear intentions and emerging plans of action for cutting carbon emissions and increasing sustainability.

Total Fund Value: £ 10,000,000.  Grant Value - maximum: 
£ 500,000.     Private sector or other government match funding is desirable but not mandatory.  Eligible organisations applying on behalf of their communities are:-

* Local authorities.
* Local strategic partnerships.
* Legally constituted third sector bodies, including:
* Social enterprises.
* Charities.
* Voluntary and community groups

Interested communities must already be taking some form of action to tackle climate change (for example, be a Warm Zone, eco-town, or low carbon community).

Along with capital funding, the programme will also provide advice, free training and a framework for communities to share good practice. It is thought that up to 20 communities will be supported through the Low Carbon Communities Challenge from 2010-12, approximately 8 'first movers' and 12 'second movers'.

Organisations must first register their intention to apply by 28 October 2009. To register email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

* the deadline for Phase One applications is 27 November 2009
* the deadline for Phase Two applications is 30 December 2009.

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/consumers/lc_communities/lc_communities.aspx