Churches across the Diocese of Leeds aiming to reduce their carbon emissions are invited to apply for a Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins grant to kickstart a small-scale decarbonisation project.
Applications are now open for grants of up to £10,000, which can be used to support initiatives such as installing LED lighting, adding pew heaters, improving insulation, upgrading electricity supplies and more.
This scheme, as well as the Diocesan Church Buildings grants and the Buildings For Mission grants that make up the Diocesan Church Buildings Grants and Loan Scheme, have a deadline of Thursday, October 31.
Since November 2024, some £40,000 has been allocated by the diocese to support projects to help churches reach net zero, as Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins grants.
Projects supported by these grants have ranged from LED lighting in Horbury, to infrared panel heating installation in Leyburn, to underpew heating in Whixley.
Following a diocesan-provided energy audit, St Wilfrid’s in Harrogate successfully applied for a Quick Wins grant for LED lighting, and have replaced 144 halogen and fluorescent bulbs with LED at the last count.
More on this can be read here.
When applying for a Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins Grant, churches can also apply for Diocesan Church Buildings grants and Buildings For Mission grants, maximising the chances of obtaining funding for a project.
If a church was a recipient of the £3,000 decarbonisation grant for high-emitting churches, they can use Quick Wins grants alongside this, meaning combined funding for the same project to maximise impact.
Further details and the application form are available here.