Community Matters Fund
Our Community Matters Fund is now open!
This Summer, in partnership with Localgiving, we will be delivering grants to charitable organisations supporting communities and hubs working hard to improve their resilience in the energy transition. The Fund can be used to support energy-efficient initiatives to lower carbon footprint, save energy costs and improve energy-efficiency ratings. These projects can be delivered in a building, or within the wider community.
The Fund aims to support economically disadvantaged areas and to target grassroots organisations that serve historically underrepresented and marginalised groups.
Applications which clearly define the long-term and measurable impact (e.g. energy bills, carbon footprint, energy efficiency) are especially encouraged. We are very keen on projects that deliver a long-term legacy, beyond just the initial funding.
Successful projects will need to meet one or more of the following themes:
- Improving energy efficiency and lowering bills for community centres and halls (e.g. insulation and glazing upgrades, smart thermostats, energy efficient lighting systems)
- Education and advice from STEM-qualified professionals on sustainability, renewable energy, and retrofit
- Promoting sustainable transport infrastructure (e.g. supporting active transport schemes, cycling racks, electric car charging points)
The Fund is not open to training projects based around creating or cultivating green spaces (e.g. community gardens, gardening workshops).
Registered charities or non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for up to £5,000; constituted charitable organisations with no charity number can apply for up to £2,000.
Ellie Patey, NGED’s Social Impact Business Partner said on the launch: “We know how central community spaces are in bringing local people together. That’s why I’m excited to be offering funding to help community centres and organisations benefit from the energy transition, helping them reduce their energy bills and carbon through investment in low carbon and energy efficiency measures, sustainable transport and education. We hope that these spaces will not only benefit their immediate communities, but also act as positive local examples of a sustainable future for all.”
In the low carbon energy transition, it’s vital that these spaces remain resilient -
Andrei Yusfin, CEO of Localgiving who are managing the delivery of the grant added: “This is an area of huge opportunity for groups to make a major impact, and we are delighted to be partnering once again with National Grid in supporting these goals with the latest Community Matters Fund. We know the effect that CMF funding has on communities across the country, and excited to see the next set of applications and awards.”
Applications open on Wednesday 9th July and close at 5pm Friday 1st August 2025. Funds will be distributed late August.