The Community Climate Asset Fund (CCAF), is a new £3.5 million Scottish Government fund, administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful, providing capital funding for community-based organisations to tackle climate change.

The main types of asset that the CCAF can fund can be split under seven main headings:

• Energy efficiency measures in existing community buildings (new builds are not eligible)
• Equipment to support community food growing
• Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure for community-run car clubs, for running existing climate change projects and for delivering services that have been identified as a priority by the community as a result of COVID-19
• Bikes and facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Electric bikes and charging infrastructure for community groups running existing climate change projects
• Equipment to reduce waste in your community
• Equipment to support an established community wood fuel scheme

Deadline for applications is Monday 9 November 2020 with decisions and initial payments made in December. The grants must be spent by end of March 2021. Grants range between a minimum of £1,000 and maximum of £100,000.

Key points to consider

Our colleagues from Social Farms and Gardens Scotland highlights this fund as an exciting opportunity for the community growing sector as two of the key themes are to grow local food and cut waste.

However, they also point out that timescales are tight and there is a lot to consider, especially for new entrants or those with less experience. 

"We know there are many groups across Scotland of all ‘shapes and sizes who can grow back stronger and engage their communities in positive climate action through growing more locally. With this in mind we have drafted a few key things to think through for maximum impact based on recommendations from the member network"

Some key points to consider:

• You need to demonstrate that you have thought through your budget and can spend it. This fund is likely to be oversubscribed so apply asap.
• What do you need to Grow Back Stronger. To reset your purpose and activities to make the changes needed to do things differently given the challenges you have experienced from COVID-19. What would support your project to survive now, thrive in the future, and support the changing needs of your community, whilst involving more people in taking positive climate action.
• Taking climate action: consider how funding could encourage wider community involvement. How can you contribute to dealing with effects of climate change (adapting) and how you will address its roots cause (mitigation). For example you might install drainage on site and a rain water catchment system to redirect water where you want it, or increase your growing area to offer more fresh, locally grown food and reduce food miles.
• Make sure that your plans include how you will comply with COVID-19 restrictions as they change. checking on the updates on Scottish Government Guidance and exemptions for community growing 

More CCAF information