Voluntary and community organisations in specified areas of Northern Ireland can apply for grants to make their buildings more energy-efficient, as part of an initiative aimed at reducing carbon footprints and saving on energy bills.

The Sustainable Community Buildings programme, administered by the National Lottery Community Fund, is designed to help organisations improve the environmental performance of their buildings. Grants of up to £50,000 are available to support energy-saving measures such as solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, insulation and other sustainability upgrades.

In addition to financial support, organisations that apply to the programme will receive free carbon literacy training, delivered by Business in the Community. This training will help organisations identify ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Action Renewables will also assist groups in developing and implementing environmental plans to guide sustainability improvements and cut long-term costs.

The programme is open to voluntary and community organisations with an annual income of less than £500,000, including registered charities, community interest companies, and not-for-profit organisations. Buildings eligible for funding must have been constructed before 2005 and be owned or under a long-term lease of at least six years.

The grants can be used for capital funding, and priority will be given to buildings that are well-used by the community. Organisations will be guided by sustainability experts to identify the most appropriate energy-efficient improvements for their buildings.

By focusing on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability, the Sustainable Community Buildings programme offers a vital opportunity for community organisations to both improve their environmental impact and save on operating costs.

In this round, applications will be accepted from organisations in the Belfast City Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council areas.

The deadline for applications is 19 February 2025 (noon).

For more information, please visit Sustainable Community Buildings | The National Lottery Community Fund