Apply now! Climate Hub Seed Fund opens for applications in D&G

The D&G Climate Hub, hosted by the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership and part of the Scottish Government’s national network of community climate hubs, has opened applications for its second round of seed funding.

Climate action covers a wide criteria including local food-growing, biodiversity projects, learning initiatives, energy and waste reduction, and much more. The allocated funds will support community climate projects running from July 2024 to February 2025. Grants are available as a Step Fund (up to £500) or a Jump Fund (up to £1000), depending on what stage of development a project has reached.

The Scottish Government announced its £5.5 million funding package for communities to build climate resilience earlier this month, with £200,000 allocated to the D&G Climate Hub. The GSA Biosphere Partnership has already recruited additional officers to support expansion of the hub’s work, which covers the whole of Dumfries & Galloway. The first round of seed funding which came with the hub’s launch in November 2023 supported over 25 community-led projects with grants up to £1,000 apiece, kickstarting a huge range of climate ideas such as Kirkcudbright’s monthly Repair Café and action on marine plastic pollution in the Machars. Climate Hub staff also provide training, resources and facilitation, and support communities to integrate climate resilience into Local Place Plans.

Jenna Cains heads the GSA Biosphere Partnership’s Community & Education team and is lead officer for the D&G Climate Hub. Jenna says, “This is a busy and exciting time as we invite applications for the hub’s seed fund. It’s a great offer for communities, not just because it provides critical financial backing but through our support for planning and implementation, which draws upon the full experience and expertise of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership. Community-led climate action is proven to be transformative not just in Scotland but around the world, as it creates solutions to specific local needs. I and the GSA Biosphere Partnership are delighted to be leading this initiative for Dumfries & Galloway.”

Applications to the D&G Climate Hub’s seed fund can be made via this website, please click here. The closing date for applications is 27^th June 2024. For further information on the climate hub programme, please email info@gsabiosphere.org.uk.