Community groups can be awarded up to £300 to host community events during Great Big Green Week (GBGW) 24th September – 2nd October 2022.

This week is coordinated by the Climate Coalition as a way of raising awareness of climate change and getting more people involved in taking action.

They have made resources available for events which are targeted at geographic areas or communities of interest which haven’t previously been supported to promote awareness on climate change.  In particular, they are looking to encourage events in disadvantaged areas, and with more vulnerable communities, such as migrants and refugees, older people, younger people, people with disabilities etc.

CAfS can provide up to £300 of funding for venue hire, publicity materials, speaker expenses, film hire, other activities and equipment.  Any surplus generated through donations should be retained by your group.

The number of groups we can support through the Climate Coalition funding is limited, however, additional resources could also be available from the Zero Carbon Cumbria community climate grants,  especially if you are looking for further support to set up a new group in your area.

We can also provide additional resources such as information about the Cold to Cosy Homes initiative, which aims to provide support and advice to people who are struggling with their energy bills; materials with more information on how to reduce your carbon footprint; ideas about activities which took place at events last year, and maybe a speaker too (depending on availability).  It may be that established sustainability groups in your area can also help to support work with new groups and audiences.

It is important to note that local groups will remain the lead organisers responsible for delivery of their respective events, and will need to ensure that they have undertaken appropriate risk assessments and are indemnified to carry out their proposed activities.  So although the activities will be part of a wider Zero Carbon Cumbria / Cumbria Sustainability Network programme of events, CAfS will not take direct responsibility for delivery.

Find out more

If you would like to chat about your ideas, or would like more information about the project and how CAfS can help, please get in touch with [email protected]

Let us know if you are interested

Please complete an expression of interest form and return it to CAfS, outlining your ideas and additional costings, via [email protected] .  We will advise you straight away whether your idea is likely to receive funding.  If you meet our criteria (not for profit; local group based in a disadvantaged area, or supporting vulnerable people; well thought out plans and value for money) we will organise payment as soon as possible.

In order to make sure that you have enough time to plan your activities for Great Big Green Week, we require you to complete and return the attached form as soon as possible or at the very latest by Friday 2nd September.

If your proposal is accepted, you will be asked to sign our Terms and Conditions and submit an invoice for payment.  If you do not have a bank account, in some circumstances CAfS may be prepared to pay invoices (e.g. for room hire) on your behalf.

Download the application form >>