Community Climate Action Fund

Dublin City Council is delighted to welcome the announcement by the Minister for Environment Climate and Communications of a new Community Climate Fund which is being made available to organisations and community groups interested in developing projects and initiatives which relate to the challenge of addressing climate change. The City Council is developing an application process which will be made available through our website in the coming weeks.

Expression of Interest applications now open, click here to apply.

This fund has three Primary Objectives

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Build Climate Resilience
• Help communities transition to a lower carbon economy 

Communities are encouraged to take actions under the following themes:

Community Energy - helping to improve the energy efficiency of community buildings and small scale renewable energy projects. 

Travel - Solutions which encourage less car journeys in favour of more sustainable modes of transport. 

Food and Waste - Supports community food growing initiatives and the reduction of waste (food or other). 

Shopping and Recycling - Initiatives which support the circular economy, such as upcycling, library of things and fix-it initiatives. 

Local Climate and Environmental Action - Initiatives which supports nature whilst building climate resilience, such as tree planting and sustainable urban drainage initiatives. 

Below are some project ideas you might consider undertaking, this isn't an exhaustive list and we encourage communities to be creative in their approach to climate action.

• Community Energy Projects
• Retrofitting community buildings
• Energy efficiency upgrades
• LED community lighting
• Community EV Charging Point
• Low carbon technology/equipment
• Community Cargo Bikes
• Cycle parking
• Community Gardens
• Community fridge
• Repair Hubs
• Swap shops
• Water filling stations
• Raingarden
• Dispersed Orchards
• Roof gardens
• Pollinator projects

What grants are available

There are three categories of grant available ranging from €10,000 up to €100,000 (see below). The grant process is competitive with projects demonstrating they can deliver positive results in relation to the primary objectives and which cover multiple themes more likely to be successful. To express an interest in applying for these funds please email [email protected]

Successful applicants will receive 100% funding with (up to 25% available up front, terms and conditions apply).

Who can apply

Groups/organisations who are involved in Climate Action initiatives on a not for profit basis at community level. This can include Sports Clubs, Community Groups, Community Enterprise Centres, Climate Action Groups, Residents Associations and Youth Clubs.  

Who can’t apply

Private individuals, commercial undertakings (including sole traders), national community and environmental organisations. 

The important qualifying criteria are:-

1. Must be delivered in a community/local area ….and have local impact in terms of things environment, energy independence, environmentally friendly transport shifts, protection of wild life.
2. Must be not for profit.
3. Must contribute to developing low carbon and environmentally sustainable communities.

Register your interest. 

If you are interested in applying for these funds please email [email protected] detailing the project you would like to be considered for. Dean Eaton the Community Climate Action Officer will then make himself available to assist you with developing and strengthening your project proposals.

To make an Expression of Interest applications, please click here  and select Community Climate Action Fund Expression of Interest.

Important to note

If your group has received more than 200K of State aid within the last three years it may limit your eligibility under a state aid EU rule known as De Minimis. When you make an application you will be advised as to whether you are affected by this State Aid rule that exists to avoid unfair competition in the marketplace.