Since its launch in 2017, the LCEF has helped to support 86 projects across 26 London boroughs with capital and project development funding. The latest round is now open to applications from organisations with proposals for energy projects that will benefit communities in London.
As previously, the fund is particularly targeted at organisations with charitable aims operating in London. We welcome applications from community groups who have never been involved in energy projects before. You do not need to be an environmental group to apply for funding. For further details see the link below.
The fund is split into three streams:
- Stream A offers up to £15,000 per application for the development of community energy projects. This can be used for assessing the feasibility of a project and for developing a business case. We expect viable projects to be ready for delivery after this funding has been spent.
- Stream B offers capital grants of up to £50,000 to cover up to one third of total capital costs. This is available for applicants who can demonstrate a viable business case for their project where additional funding is needed, or, where additional funding could significantly improve benefits to the community.
- Stream C offers grants of up to £5,000 per project for the development of innovative approaches to community energy and/or any other pre-feasibility work. For instance this could include developing innovative ways to finance a project, or, assessing the potential for a low-carbon technology installation.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 17 November 2021 at 5pm. However, the fund will remain open on a first-come first-serve for projects to apply for remaining funds after this deadline. This flexibility is particularly to allow applicants for capital funding time to secure match-funding and finance from other sources before applying to the LCEF. Funding is available only for projects that can be completed by autumn 2022.
We are keen to support groups who have ideas for community energy projects and have not applied to the fund before. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the team if you have any queries at [email protected]
Further details about the LCEF and how to apply are available here: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/energy/london-community-energy-fund.
Last year’s beneficiaries included:
St Edward’s Church Mottingham
SELCE have secured £6,000 to explore solar feasibility on St Edward’s the Confessor Church in Bromley. They estimate this will save the church 4.7 tonnes of carbon a year.
St John’s Church Waterloo
St John’s Church, Waterloo in Lambeth will use their grant of £30,000 to install 114 solar panels on their roof. They estimate this will save 15 tonnes of carbon a year. The financial savings from the eventual drop in energy bills will be used to increase their successful employment training for young people and support residents of local homelessness hostels in seeking work and develop skills. This is part of their ReIGNITE project which will develop skills for 120 people and involve 2000 people in community projects.
St Luke’s, Charlton
St Luke’s Parochial Church Council have been awarded £17,500 to install LED lighting at their church in Greenwich as part of the church’s plan to develop a community hub. They estimate this upgrade will save them 2.6 tonnes of carbon a year. The church hopes the upgrade will encourage wider use of the community space.
