Croydon Council has approved a two-year £1m grant funding programme to support its ambitious vision for a more sustainable and greener borough.
The programme is made up of two distinct funds, designed to support the council’s Carbon Neutral Action Plan and Parks and Green Spaces Renewal Strategy.
Both funds are focused on physical infrastructure and facilities improvement projects, which will visibly contribute to a more sustainable Croydon.
The Sustainable Croydon Grassroots Fund aims to support local independent projects. These could include tree planting or re-wilding initiatives, community gardens and cycling storage or repair stations. It is hoped that grants under this fund will empower local groups to think bigger and realise plans for their community.
The Sustainable Croydon Seed Fund is intended to match fund infrastructure initiatives with specific carbon reduction aims. For example, solar panel installation on local schools, community centres or libraries. It could also build on popular community borrowing schemes such as Library of Things, which affordably rents out tools, electricals and other useful items.
Each fund has been allocated £250,000 a year to provide community organisations and projects – more details on how to apply and specific requirements will be published in due course.
The council cannot achieve its aim for carbon neutrality by 2030 alone but can influence approximately one third of emissions within the borough through leadership and place making. These grants will provide exactly that by empowering local community initiatives to safeguard their local environment for future generations.
“I am delighted that these funds will be available to community projects that share our vision of a sustainable Croydon. Becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2030 is an ambitious but achievable goal if we work together to effect real change in our communities. These grants will elevate the great work already taking place locally, and spark new projects to reduce emissions and protect and enhance our biodiversity.”
Councillor Muhammad Ali, cabinet member for sustainable Croydon
