Liverpool City Region opens £350,000 Community Environment Fund
FUNDING · ENGLAND
Published 20th October 2026 · Announcement: 16th October 2026
Liverpool City Region has opened a £350,000 round of its Community Environment Fund, offering grants of up to £30,000 for local environmental projects. Energy efficiency and active travel are among the eligible themes, alongside nature, food and climate resilience.
What is available
The fourth round offers £1,000–£4,999 for smaller projects and £5,000–£30,000 for larger proposals. The application portal opened on 15th October; the Combined Authority announced the round the following day. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on Monday 30th November 2026.
Who can apply — and what is excluded
The fund is aimed at not-for-profit community organisations, including charities, schools, colleges and faith groups. Councils may apply where there is strong community engagement or a community partner. Applicants normally need at least a year’s operating history; an established accountable organisation can act for a group unable to meet the requirements.
Insulation is an example of eligible energy-reduction work. Solar panels, wind turbines and other energy-generating technology are excluded, as are businesses and individuals applying privately. Match funding is not required. Organisations may submit two distinct projects, up to £40,000 combined, rather than treating £30,000 as an unrestricted organisational allowance.
Current status and next steps
This is an open, competitive funding round, not a list of grant awards or a guarantee of support. Decisions are expected in January 2027 and funding agreements in February. Projects must start by 1st May 2027 and finish by 30th November 2027, with an agreement signed before work begins.
The application route requires the financial breakdown to be emailed separately after the online form. A briefing webinar is scheduled for 5pm on 20th October; the authority says a recording will follow.
Why this matters
Net Zero News perspective: the opportunity is useful for public bodies working with community partners, but its boundaries matter. A school’s insulation proposal and a school’s solar proposal cannot be assumed to qualify under the same fund. Teams should check permissions, eligible expenditure and who will maintain the improvement before committing time to an application.
Use the guidance and application checklist to build a costed, deliverable proposal. Keep expected environmental benefits separate from measured results, and do not start funded work before the required agreement.
Sources: Combined Authority announcement, 16th October 2026; fund overview; application portal and full guidance. Checked 20th October 2026.