New Campaign and Funding Programme for Community Climate Engagement Launched
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan has launched a new, first of its kind campaign and fund specifically for climate engagement to support and inspire people to take and talk about the climate actions that can improve their local areas.
The campaign, called Climate Actions Work, will focus on encouraging and supporting climate engagement and communications actions. A national radio, print and social media campaign will also get underway to amplify climate actions that are already happening and encouraging more people to get involved. This campaign will roll out over the coming weeks, with a particular focus on local media linked to local actions as it progresses.
The fund is designed as a unique, small-scale, flexible fund that can help community groups spread the word about what they are doing or what they might be planning to do. With a starting pot of €1 million to be distributed over this year and into next, it is intended to support the vital activities that are often not funded – like event organisation, climate advocacy, social media, developing leaflets and information materials, or joining up and working with other groups to take on bigger projects, for example. The fund will be administered by Community Foundation Ireland which as part of its mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities has been empowering local groups, researchers and advocates to take action on climate and nature since 2000. The foundation’s work in this space is informed by its experience of partnering with 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable groups as a philanthropic hub. A network which continues to grow.
In addition, this campaign will be supported by a comprehensive training programme and a toolkit supporting community groups in developing and delivering their projects. These will be available for anyone interested in knowing more about how to talk about and engage people on climate action.
The fund is welcoming applications under three strands:
1. Community Awareness
2. Community Engagement, and
3. Community Activation.
Grants of from €2,500 up to €10,000 are available under the different strands.
Applications are open from 2 September and close on 4 October. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications by the end of November.