Community groups in Renfrewshire are being invited to come forward with projects and initiatives that will support the area’s ambitious aim of becoming net-zero by 2030.

Applications are now open for Renfrewshire’s Community Climate Fund where local organisations can bid for up to £3,000 for projects which respond to the climate emergency and help build resilience within communities from the impact of climate change.

A total of £50,000 has been allocated from Renfrewshire Council’s Climate Change Action Fund and grants will be targeted towards groups where funding will make a significant difference to community participation in climate change aims.

Projects likely to be considered include community gardens, food growing initiatives, improvements to biodiversity, hosting of climate change awareness raising events, equipment or tools for green projects or active travel initiatives – but all ideas are welcomed for consideration.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “It’s clear that as a Council we need to lead from the front when it comes to climate change and we’re ensuring that it’s considered in every decision we take.

“We also know that to reach our ambitions we need to take our partners, businesses and residents with us on the journey and this new fund will ensure that local people can make a difference in their communities.

“I look forward to seeing the ideas coming in as we aim to tackle the climate emergency together so if you have a project that you know will make a difference to our environment then please submit your application as soon as possible.”

Any community or voluntary organisation with a constitution and a bank account can apply and the Council will support individuals with ideas to engage with a local group that may support their proposal.

All applications for funding should be submitted by 14 March 2022 via www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/community-climate-fund, with the Council’s climate change team available to support groups to apply before the deadline.

Successful applicants will require to show an understanding of local need, outline how their project aligns with the area’s climate change ambitions, be inclusive and ensure a partnership network is in place to signpost people to additional support.

For more information on the Council’s climate change ambitions, the projects currently underway, and how to apply for the fund, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/climatechange