Jan 6 2009
The third round of the Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP) capital grants scheme saw the number of applications increase by 25%. Sixty-nine projects were assessed by the Selection Panel and 36 awarded funding totalling £770k.
CSEP is an open grants scheme designed to help community based organisations in England reduce their energy bills and environmental impact through renewable energy generation. It is funded by more than £10 million from the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces programme.
The range of applications in the third round of the scheme was very diverse and included for the first time a lido and a guide association, as well as village halls, parish councils, schools and colleges.
£234K was also awarded to 103 organisations to undertake feasibility studies that will identify the most appropriate mix of measures for their buildings.
As the number of applications to the scheme rises, the competitive element of the fund increases and successful projects have to be of a high standard to be awarded funding.
For the next round of funding CSEP would like to encourage applications from the East Midlands, the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber. These areas of the country are currently under-represented and their applications will be given priority.
A full list of successful applicants can be found on the CSEP website http://www.communitysustainable.org.uk.