National Lottery sponsors climate action projects with £2.5m funding boost

The aim of ‘Together for Our Planet’ is to boost community activity that will help the nation reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Applications for the project opened on the first of this month and will close on 18^th of November – a few days after the global climate conference COP26 concludes in Glasgow.

Indeed, launching the project at this time is strategic. ‘Together for Our Planet’ aims to build on the buzz and anticipation around COP26, where people who may have not been interested in climate action begin to pay attention – possibly for the first time.

The Head of Climate Action at The National Lottery Community Fund, Nick Gardner, said: ‘COP26 looks set to be a pivotal point in the global response to the climate emergency.’

‘We are keen to reach those who are not sure how to take climate action or haven’t before, helping ensure that climate action moves further into the mainstream, and is accessible and relevant to all communities,’ he continued.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVcimSMyIHs&ab_channel=TheNationalLotteryCommunityFund

It’s fantastic to see this type of funding for community led projects, in light of the news that the UK government’s plans for COP26 are still in progress – just weeks before the event commences.

Recognising that climate change disproportionately affects marginalised communities, the initiative will prioritise applications from communities hit hardest by climate change, as well as organisations which are now getting their climate action plans started.

‘Together for Our Planet’ is part of the National Lottery Community Fund’s Environment Strategy which was founded in 2016. So far, it has provided over 6,600 grants – worth a total of £397million – for environment-related projects.

Alongside its recent launch of The Community Fund’s online Climate Action Hub, it appears the National Lottery is striving to start a legacy that lasts well beyond COP26. We’ve got to say, we’re here for it!