We know a great idea is nothing without the money to get it moving! So here are a list of funds, grants, and helpful resources that support renewable energy projects in the UK to help you on your way. If you know of any more funding or grants please add them to the Funding Guide comments section so everyone can see them.
Awards for All
A Lottery grants scheme funding small, community based projects across the UK.
Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy
Annual funding awarded to sustainable energy projects across the UK and developing world.
Biffaward
Ongoing fund that awards grants of between £250 and £50,000 to community and biodiversity projects.
Big Lottery Fund
Over £4.4 billion of funding available spread over a large number of grants and investments.
Charity bank
Finance avaliable for social enterprises, charities, and community organisations.
Coastal Communities Fund
From April 2012 £23.7 million will be made available to coastal communities across the UK to support a wide range of community projects – including renewable energy and environmental improvement.
C02 sense
Funding and investment opportunities for renewable energy projects and carbon reduction initiatives.
Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (Scotland)
Loan scheme aimed at helping renewable energy projects in Scotland through the initial high-risk, pre-planning consent stages.
Community Challenge Prize
A total of £60,000 to be split between the best applicants in three challenges to promote and innovate community group buying. Applications for 2012 are now closed. 2013 application dates TBA.
Community Generation Fund
A new fund made available by the FSE Group and NEF. Loans are available for both feasibility and construction and initial applications close on 16th April 2012.
Community Sustainable Energy
Ongoing scheme offering capital grants for heat generating and energy efficiency technologies. Community organisations can apply for up to £50,000 or 50% of the project cost (whichever is lower) for installing heat generating microgeneration technologies and energy efficiency measures.
Co-op: Join the revolution
Various initiatives aimed at funding and supporting community groups and co-operatives.
First Great Western Community Fund
Considers support and funding requests upon application for community programmes that benefit the environment.
Green Deal £1000 Cashback Scheme
The Green Deal Cashback Scheme is a first-come, first-served offer avaliable from 28th January 2013. householders can claim cashback fromt the government on energy saving improvements such as insualtion, windows, and boilers. The more energysaving measures, the greater the cashback.
Nature Save Trust
Grants and seed-funding offered to community renewable energy projects.
Polden Puckham charitable foundation
Organisation offering annual grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 to projects aimed at environmental sustainability.
Renewable Heat Premium Payment Scheme
Until 31st March 2012 all UK households can apply to the Government to receive vouchers towards renewable energy technology.
Royal Bank of Scotland Community Business Loan
The RBSG Micro-finance Fund is set up to help potential and existing social entrepreneurs who are unable to access finance through the normal mainstream channels. The fund offers financial support for the purpose of starting or expanding a community-based business.
Shell Springboard Trust
Awards £320,000 each year to around 8 initiatives aimed at carbon emission reduction. Applications for 2012 are currently closed but will be open for 2013 later in the year.
Solar Communities
£20 million is available now for investment in roof-mounted Solar PV systems on community facilities in Cornwall, installed before 31st March 2012.
Tellus Mater Foundation
A grant making trust which funds and supports charitable organisations and projects looking to achieve self sufficiency in the future.
The Carbon Trust
Offers a variety of grants, support and advice to carbon and energy saving projects.
The PURE Community Energy Fund
Low interest loans of up to £50,000 to help finance renewable energy projects.
Triodos
Ethical banking and finance service for businesses and charities.
If you know of any more funds please add them to the Funding Guide comments section on the groups website so everyone can see them.