Published on Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Councils across Staffordshire will benefit from £93,000 of funding for projects to help tackle climate change.

The Staffordshire County Council Climate Change Action Fund is in its 5th year^Th year and has so far allocated over £267,000 to 290 non-profit groups.

A group that has made a difference in society with the funding is Dane Valley Climate Action Group (DVCAG) who received £1,000 towards the costs of protecting the young trees planted under DVCAG’s 2023/24 Tree Planting Programme. In total during the season, DVCAG Volunteers planted 2,460 trees in 13 locations during 23 planting sessions.

The £1,000 funding paid for the protective material for almost 400 of the trees planted.

Watch this video to see more about the project.

Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills said:

“Tackling climate change remains a top priority for the county council and we are committed to reaching net zero by 2050. We hugely value the contribution that community groups can make locally to achieve this goal and I am delighted to have this program running for its fifth year.

“The first part is first come, first served, so I strongly encourage groups to speak to their councilor to make an application. We can all make a big difference by working together.”

Funding is open to not-for-profit organizations including charities, associations, voluntary and community groups, parish councils and schools.

The system will work slightly differently than in previous years:

Part 1:

9 July – 8 October

Each county councilor will have £1,500 to allocate to projects in their area starting at £500 and a maximum of £3,000 if paired with another member. This phase will be on a first-come, first-served basis and groups will be notified 6 weeks after making a full, valid application.

Part 2:

8 October – 13 December

Part 2 will be for applications for renewable energy and circular economy projects. Groups will be able to apply for £3,000 – £5,000. The best and most innovative projects will be awarded funding.

Julian Ruddock, chairman and secretary of the Dane Valley Climate Action Group said: “We exist to raise awareness locally of the climate and nature crisis. Our main practical activity is planting trees. Most people like to see nice, unspoilt countryside and Please do your part to take care of it.

“Funding is necessary for any project, even if it’s just about materials, the fund is ideal. When you apply, you must receive the support of your county council. The application is easy and you are dealing with people who are sympathetic to the cause, which is good.”

Groups can only apply in one part.

To apply for a grant, organizations must first speak to their county council and then apply online at: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/climatefund