Bristol City Leap is excited to announce that 12 more projects have successfully secured funding in the third round of our £1.5 million Community Energy Fund. This funding round, designed to support community-led energy projects, continues to build on Bristol’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Successful applicants have received grants to decarbonise their local communities, with almost £145,000 awarded in this round. Making the total amount awarded through the fund over £460,000. The organisations receiving funding in this round include a diverse range of community groups from Friends of Jubilee Pool, The Churches Conservation Trust, Bristol North West Foodbank, One Green Kitchen CIC and many more.

Their funding will cover a variety of activities such as creating mechanical feasibility design reports for Air Source Heat Pumps, conducting thermographic surveys, assessing heating system refurbishment and replacement options, and performing energy audits. One of the projects will host five workshops in St. Paul’s and Fishponds, collaborating closely with the Bangladeshi community. These sessions will cover three key topics: new energy projects, home energy improvements, and solar panels & alternative energy solutions.

James Sterling, Communications and Social Value Manager at Bristol City Leap said: “By investing in community-driven energy projects, we are empowering the residents of Bristol to take significant steps toward decarbonisation. The success of these initiatives will catalyse further positive change throughout the city. Our commitment to collaborating with the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across Bristol is reflected in the Community Energy Fund, which demonstrates the positive impact that we can achieve by supporting communities on their path to decarbonisation.”

“We are proud to support a diverse array of remarkable projects that empower communities to take charge of their energy consumption. The wide range of heat-related initiatives, encompassing both heat generation and connection, underscores the ongoing growth and vitality of community heat in the city,” said Dom Barton, Vattenfall’s Director of Heat Networks in Bristol.

The £1.5 million Community Energy Fund, created through contributions of £750,000 each from Ameresco and Vattenfall, is a vital component of Bristol City Leap’s effort to support sustainable energy initiatives across the city. By offering financial support to community organisations, the fund aims to reduce fossil fuel use, enable connections to the Bristol heat network, and encourage energy reduction and efficiency in local communities.

The Fourth Round of Funding is Now Open

With the conclusion of the third round of funding, Bristol City Leap is pleased to announce that the fourth round of Community Energy Fund applications is officially open. Community groups, charities, faith organisations, and other eligible entities across Bristol (BS1–BS16) are encouraged to apply for grants and zero-interest loans to support their decarbonisation efforts.

Councillor Martin Fodor, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to announce the latest round of funding, which will enable even more communities to contribute to Bristol’s decarbonisation efforts. Achieving our climate goals demands action at all levels, both big and small. This fund is specifically designed to empower communities to take meaningful steps. From enhancing energy efficiency to implementing renewable energy projects, these initiatives will engage many people and help drive substantial progress towards a sustainable future for everyone.”

Applicants will have around six months to submit their projects, with a deadline set for September. The decision panel will convene in October 2025. This provides ample time for organisations to develop proposals that align with the fund’s objectives of reducing carbon emissions, supporting community-led energy initiatives.

Please note that applications for microgrants are not bound by these deadlines and can be submitted and awarded at any time throughout the duration of the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund.

To learn more about this scheme, please head to our funding page.

About the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund

The Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund is part of our commitment to delivering social value and advancing decarbonisation across the city. The fund supports a wide range of community energy projects, including low-carbon building improvements, renewable energy installations, and initiatives to reduce energy consumption. Any profits generated from our loans will be reinvested into the fund to sustain future initiatives. We invite all interested community groups and organisations to apply and join us on Bristol’s journey to a better, more sustainable future.

For more information on how to apply, please visit https://www.bristolcityleap.co.uk/community/community-energy-fund/.