SCVO receives funding for key third sector climate project – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Growing climate confidence supported by Scottish Funders’ Forum

A leading third sector climate project offering vital support to charities and voluntary organisations seeking to tackle the climate crisis will be funded for a further two years, it has been announced.

The initiative is being led by the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on behalf of the Third Sector Net Zero Steering Group, with advisory support from Scottish funders and net zero experts.

The £200,000 awarded will cover strategic support, campaign awareness and training delivered by others in the sector. Funding has been provided by the Corra Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Robertson Trust, SSE and the William Grant Foundation.

This new funding – covering two years from 1 June 2024 – will provide fully funded carbon reduction and climate resilience training, standalone digital tools to help organisations develop a net zero roadmap, and strategic support to influence the climate finance landscape.

Beth Mukushi, SCVO’s Director of Support Services, said: “The Growing Climate Confidence project helps third sector organisations understand and take responsibility for taking action on climate change.

“We know that most organisations take the climate crisis seriously, but only 42% have implemented policies to reduce their carbon emissions.

“Our Net Zero Scorecard has provided over 400 organisations with a tailored action plan, and this funding will help us reach more organisations, offer comprehensive training and support, and connect organisations with existing climate action networks across the country.”

Kate Still, Chair of the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, said: “We are delighted to support SCVO in expanding its Growing Climate Confidence Initiative, thanks to funding raised by National Lottery players.

“With our funding, we want to help communities become more environmentally sustainable and make changes that contribute to a healthy planet.

“SCVO has significant experience and expertise in supporting third sector organisations to take action on the climate crisis and expanding this initiative will create momentum and equip many more third sector organisations with the tools to help them on their journey to net zero.”

A spokesperson for SSE said: “The climate crisis is one of our most pressing societal challenges and we know from our community grantmaking that many third sector organisations want to do their bit to help solve it but don’t know where to start.

“The Growing Climate Confidence website and support programme helps them gain clarity on what to focus on and how to do it. SSE is therefore proud to support the implementation and further development of this important work with partners.”

Nick Addington, Chief Executive of the William Grant Foundation, said: “We believe that all charities and social enterprises have a role to play in helping to achieve a just transition towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future – whatever their mission – so we are delighted to be working with other Scottish funders to enable SCVO to increase its support for Scotland’s third sector in climate action.”