Introduction
Voluntary community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations strive to make a positive impact on society and the environment. However, to effectively implement energy efficiency measures and contribute to a greener future, these organisations require adequate funding and support. There’s a new Government VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme fund we’d like to tell you about managed through the Groundwork Trust.
The Role of Groundwork
Groundwork’s overarching mission is to support local communities and businesses in building capacity and resilience. Groundwork’s work focuses on several key areas:
- Creating Better Places
- Improving People’s Prospects
- Protecting the Planet
The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme
The Government’s VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, with a funding allocation of £25.5 million, is a significant initiative that supports VCSE organisations in improving their energy efficiency. The scheme is part of the Government’s commitment to help frontline delivery organisations cope with the increased cost of living and Bright Spark can provide the information you need for an application, so please get in touch for a chat through your options.
The consortium led by Groundwork UK and supported by Energy Saving Trust, Centre for Sustainable Energy, Locality, and Social Investment Business, the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme offers two elements:
- Independent Energy Assessment: Eligible organisations can apply for the cost and delivery of an independent energy assessment. This assessment helps identify energy-saving opportunities, such as installing new energy features or optimising energy usage. It is really helpful, even if organisations do not apply for the second element of the scheme.
- Capital Grant for Energy Efficiency Measures: Organisations that have undergone an energy assessment may be eligible to apply for a capital grant to implement the recommended energy efficiency measures. This grant allows organisations to install technologies such as solar panels, battery storage systems and EV charging points. The scheme operates through multiple grant rounds, with funds needing to be spent and projects completed by March 2025.
To be eligible for the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, organisations must meet specific criteria, such as being based and operating in England, having charitable or philanthropic purposes, delivering frontline services, and demonstrating the need for energy efficiency support. Additionally, organisations must have a minimum of two years of operation and a long-term arrangement with their premises.
Priority is given to organisations for whom energy is a significant concern, those directly supporting individuals and communities with critical needs and those with a turnover of less than £1 million per year. The scheme also focuses on projects that offer the best value for money.
To apply for the scheme, organisations can visit the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme website, where they will find faqs, application guidance, an eligibility checker, and detailed information on the scheme’s requirements and timelines.
By exploring these funding and investment avenues, VCSE organisations can access the necessary resources to implement energy efficiency measures and contribute to a sustainable future.
So, don’t miss out – please read the guidelines and get in touch with any questions you may have. We’d love to help your VCSE become more energy resilient and financially secure.
