Community Climate Action Programme: Climate Education, Capacity Building and Learning by Doing (Strand 2)

Overview

Climate changes are occurring in every region across the world, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report.  In Ireland, we are already experiencing the results of this through flooding, extreme weather conditions (hotter and wetter) and rising sea levels (2-3mm since early 1990s).

The government recognises that supporting ambitious climate actions is necessary to ensure a sustainable future nationally and globally. The government acknowledges the vital role of citizens and communities in addressing climate change.

€5m has been made available by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. 

Purpose of the funding

The purpose of this funding is to facilitate eligible organisations to collaboratively develop supports, tools, know-how and approaches to assist local communities take climate action. The strand focus is on climate education, capacity building and learning by doing – moving beyond ‘raising awareness’ to build the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to respond to the challenges of climate change at a community level. It is necessary for successful proposals to demonstrate inclusivity in design and practice, so that no one is left behind.

“Sowing the seeds of imagination and nurturing climate action success within communities”

Please note that this funding is for the development of learning outputs (toolkits, apps, guidance, tools, training programmes etc.) rather than the direct project implementation of Climate Action projects (please see the website of The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications for more information on Strand 1 which will fund these). While projects which are of a larger scale (up to €500,000) are expected to have a demonstration or pilot project element, this would be for the purposes of testing and validating the learning output. The aim is that these tools can be replicated and scaled posted funding to support community groups/organisations directly implement climate action projects on the 5 programme themes. Please contact us if you have any further queries or wish to speak with the Development Coordinator for this programme regarding the eligibility of your organisation, proposed project or partnership.

All applications are expected to have the following key components:

Strategic Objectives

Overall Objective: Build capacity and know-how within communities to develop low carbon communities and further engage in Climate Action.

Knowledge and shared learning: To increase awareness and understanding of climate change, leading to communities taking practical actions that will have a positive and lasting impact on climate change.

Reach and reducing isolation, poverty: To provide support to communities to encourage inclusivity, partnership and participation by all communities in addressing the climate change challenge with a targeted focus on ensuring that no member of the community is left behind.

Measurable impact: To provide support for communities to enable them to develop and roll out projects that contribute to Ireland’s climate and energy targets and transition to a low carbon economy under five key themes.

Lasting Impact: To provide support to communities to empower them to change behaviours and habits in relation to climate change that will continue after the project is completed.

Themes

There are five themes:

Applications must contribute to at least one of these themes.  For more information on what is expected in relation to each theme click here.

Amount of grant that you can apply for:

• €50,000 to €100,000 (up to 18 month proposal)
• €101,000 to €500,000 (up to 36 month proposal)

Information you need to gather about your organisation to apply:

• Governing documents e.g. Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Tax Registration Number (TRN)
• Tax Clearance Access Number (TCAN)
• Companies Registration Office Number (CRO)
• Registered Charity Number (RCN) (if applicable)
• Signed 2020 Annual Financial Statements
• Details of your board – names, roles and expertise
• Details of partner organisations
• Identify a lead partner who will be the applicant and the contract holder (if applicable)
• Job Descriptions (if applicable)
• Organisation Chart/Organogram/Organigram
• Details of funding received in the last three years from Exchequer, EU or Philanthropic sources (year, name of programme, funder)

Online Applicant Support Events

We are hosting two online webinars for potential applicants.

Click here to find out more information and to register for these events.

In advance of starting your application, we highly recommend you:
– Check the Eligibility and Selection Criteria.
– Read the Grant Guidelines.
– Review the Resource Sheets to support you developing your project
– Review the Frequently Asked Questions.
– Watch the Instructional Videos and/or use the PDF application form which guides you on completing the form and includes hints and tips.

Important Dates:

Application Procedures	Dates	Important Notes
Application Form and Guidelines	Available now	Website: www.pobal.ie
Pobal Application Supports	Available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm	Telephone: 01-5117222 E-mail: onlinesupport@pobal.ie Please note that resolution of queries may take time. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to raise any issue at least 48 hours before the submission deadline.
Pobal webinars for Applicants	Application (Technical Support & Guidance) Webinar: Thursday 9th December, 2021 @ 2.30-4pm. Information and Support Clinic: Thursday 13th January, 2021 @ 2.30 – 4pm. Registration for the events is now open!	You can register online here. Pobal hosts two types of webinars to support potential applicants and provide information, inspiration and guidelines on what is expected in their applications.
Online Application deadline	Online Portal for applications –  Opens: Monday 15th November, 2021 @ 09.00 hrs (9am) Closes: 27th January, 2022 @ 15:00 hrs (3pm).	Registration of your organisation on MyPobal is available from Monday 15 th November, 2021.  Only application forms at the status of “submitted” on the 27th January, 2022 @ 15:00 hrs will be considered under this Programme for funding. The application system will automatically close at this time.
Notification of your application outcome	Start of April 2022	Email from Pobal
Grant agreements issued to successful applicants	End of April 2022	Email from Pobal

Please note that you must register on the “Application Portal” before you can access the online application form.  Registration on the Portal for organisations currently in contract with Pobal Those organisations registered in relation to the Healthy Ireland Fund, Scheme to Support National Organisations or Slaintecare – please use your existing username and password. Please test your password works for you when the online application form opens on the insert date. All other organisations in contract with Pobal must contact Pobal @ onlinesupport@pobal.ie

Next Steps

• Check your organisation’s eligibility
• Register your organisation on the Application Portal
• Receive and verify your user name and password
• Register (on-board) your organisation details on the Application Portal
• Review the materials available on this webpage
• Prepare your application form information and supporting documents
• Complete your State Aid Self-Assessment Template
• Ensure your board or governing body approves your application content
• Start your online application form on 15th November, 2021
• Submit your online application by 3pm (15:00hrs) on the 27th January, 2022.    

Useful Links

• Climate Action Bill 2021
• National Dialogue on Climate Action
• 2021 Climate Action Plan
• State Aid (Regulation EU No. 651/2014 – GBER Scheme
• National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and provision of Central Treasury Services Act, 2020 (Sections 14 and 15 pertaining to the Climate Action Fund)
• Our Rural Future-l Rural Development Policy 2021-2025
• Framework Policy for Local Community Development in Ireland
• Climate Action Fund Guidelines, June 2021
• Just Transition Fund – State Aid (FAQ)

For more resources to support you developing and completing your application form, please see the resources tab.