We’ve made some big changes to our small grants programme, and we think you’ll like them! 

Low Carbon Hub’s vibrant community groups are a vital part of our work in driving the energy transition. The groups hold a unique and valued role in helping to build trust and support public opinion in the creation of a zero-carbon energy system.  

It takes commitment, creativity, and determination to run and sustain a thriving community group. That’s why we think our small grants programme is one of the most effective and rewarding ways to share the community benefit generated from our renewable energy installations, including Ray Valley Solar Park and our rooftop solar projects.  

The small grants can go a long way to support community groups with running their group and taking action to combat climate change and support the energy transition.  We’d love to encourage more of our community groups to apply, so we’ve made some positive changes that we hope will make it easier and quicker to apply. 

Here’s what’s new 

The price of everything, from venue hire to leaflet printing, has increased so we have raised the amount that can be applied for from £500 to £750! 

• We’ve made it easier to apply by introducing an online form.  

• We’ve shortened the process by combining the application form and finance form into one. 

• The option to download and email the form remains if you prefer, and you are still welcome to post your application to our office. 

• We have widened the scope of what the small grants can fund, to include any activity that will benefit your community group and help it to thrive. That could be anything from venue hire and refreshments at events such as Great Big Green Week, to printing leaflets or making a video.  

• We’ve simplified the grant reporting process by requesting that you send us a short summary of your project and a few photos or video clips to help us celebrate your success. (Of course, we hope you’ll invite us to your event so we can join in).  

• We will pay the grant in advance of your activity.  

Feeling inspired? 

All Low Carbon Hub community groups can apply for a small grant in any financial year and as long as we have sufficient funds in the pot, it is our aim to fund all applications. 

The small grants can be used to fund any activities that will benefit our community groups and help them to thrive, as well as activities that help to generate renewable energy, make buildings and homes more energy efficient, and create sustainable transport solutions. They could also be used to fund activities and events during Great Big Green Week 6 – 14 June 2026.  

In the last financial year, we were delighted to award 15 small grants to our community groups, that funded a huge variety of projects. If you’re looking for inspiration or wondering if there’s an idea that would work in your community, you can find out more by reading our blog summarising the small grants for the year 2025 -2026. 

We hope you’ll apply for your grant

Applications for small grants for the present financial year 2026 – 2027 are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday 5 February 2027.  

To apply, simply go to the Community Grants page on our website and fill in and submit the online form, or download and return to us at info@lowcarbonhub.org.