The Power Up North London (PUNL) is inviting applications for its Community Energy Fund that uses surplus funds from the business activity of Power Up North London to encourage and support community action in reducing carbon in the atmosphere.

The fund is administered by a committee formed of PUNL shareholders, and members of board of directors. PUNL want to tackle climate change, and are excited about this opportunity to take that journey with other organisations based in North London.

Funding Priorities & Criteria

• The following criteria will be applied when allocating the community fund in the current funding round:
  • Projects must benefit the community of the boroughs of London north of the river Thames, with priority to Camden, Islington and Haringey.
  • The project should be ready to start by July 2021 and aim to be completed by the end of June 2022.
  • Organisations must be able to provide a copy of their constitution/ governing document/ rules, evidence of a bank account, and most recent annual accounts or financial records.
  • Carbon PUNL’s vision is that North London becomes carbon neutral. Projects must have clear aims to reduce carbon.
• In addition to the above, mandatory criteria, the project must address at least one of the following objectives:
  • Communities are interested in projects that involve community in the design and delivery of the activities applicants are planning. Will also support action redressing inequalities through action on diversity, equality and inclusion.
  • Leverage welcome applications that will use a small amount of funds to seed something bigger.
  • Education can all make a difference now, which is why the fund will support projects that raise awareness of climate change, its solutions and how to reduce its impact.
• The grant programme can support all costs relating to the project or activity/project, including a contribution to core costs (e.g. core staff costs, office costs), project costs (e.g. venue hire, project worker) and capital costs. The fund encourages applications for the funding of innovative ideas, including pilot projects, as well as for the development and growth of existing projects.

Funding Information

• The fund will provide up to £5,000 in its first year of operation for distribution to community projects.
• For 2020-21 the maximum grant level is £5,000 and the minimum is £500.

Examples of Potential Projects

• Supporting youth employment into renewables.
• Practical energy use assessment & advice service in a local area.
• Feasibility work for larger projects.
• The installation of energy efficiency measures in a community project or building.
• Providing energy related information and support to low income or disadvantaged households.
• Community gardens growing and selling food locally, and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
• Projects providing energy information/advice/collective action to particular groups, e.g. landlords, students, single mothers, people whose first language is not English.

For more information, visit Power Up North London.