This Summer, National Grid’s Electricity Distribution business, in partnership with Localgiving, will be delivering grants to charitable organisations supporting communities and hubs working hard to improve their resilience in the energy transition. The Fund can be used to support energy-efficient initiatives to lower carbon footprint, save energy costs and improve energy-efficiency ratings. These projects can be delivered in a building, or within the wider community.

The Fund, part of the long running Community Matters Fund, aims to support economically disadvantaged areas and to target grassroots organisations that serve historically underrepresented and marginalised groups.

Applications which clearly define the long-term and measurable impact (e.g. energy bills, carbon footprint, energy efficiency) are especially encouraged. We are very keen on projects that deliver a long-term legacy, beyond just the initial funding.

Successful projects will need to meet one or more of the following themes:

• Improving energy efficiency and lowering bills for community centres and halls (e.g. insulation and glazing upgrades, smart thermostats, energy efficient lighting systems).
• Education and advice from STEM-qualified professionals on sustainability, renewable energy, and retrofit.
• Promoting sustainable transport infrastructure (e.g. supporting active transport schemes, cycling racks, electric car charging points).

The Fund is not open to training projects based around creating or cultivating green spaces (e.g. community gardens, gardening workshops).

This Summer 2025 edition of the Community Matters Fund forms part of a broad range of initiatives from National Grid to support communities improve their energy efficiency and lower their carbon footprint including tailored low carbon transition support for customers in vulnerable situations, and Smart Energy Action Plans, which provide comprehensive advice on how customers can benefit from the energy transition. 

Registered charities or non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for up to £5,000; constituted charitable organisations with no charity number can apply for up to £2,000.

---> APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED 

If you are an existing Localgiving member then simply log into your account, a link to the application form can be found by clicking on the ‘My Grants’ section of your account displayed on the left-hand side of your dashboard and then clicking on the "Localgiving Grants" tab.

If you are not a Localgiving member then apply via the button below. If you are successful with your application and are not yet a Localgiving member, you will also receive a complimentary Localgiving annual membership.

Further information about the process can be found in our Guidance Document which includes important eligibility information and FAQs.

Applications opened on Wednesday 9^th July and closed at 5pm Friday 1^st August 2025. Funds will be distributed late August.

---> APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED 

In addition, the Centre for Sustainable Energy has a useful guide to improving community buildings here and another on funding energy improvements here. They have also produced some great videos: improving energy efficiency , busting some myths around heatpumps and retrofit basics training for community organisations.