An Overview of Climate Action Funding Options

UK education providers can access funding for Climate Action Plans and related sustainability initiatives through several sources. Here's a list of key options:

1. Department for Education (DfE) Initiatives

  • Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy: The DfE has committed to supporting schools and colleges with tools, guidance, and some funding aligned with the Climate Action Plan requirement.

2. Local Authority Grants

  • Many local councils offer sustainability grants or support schemes to schools, especially for energy-saving upgrades or biodiversity projects.

  • Contact your local education authority (LEA) or council's climate team for current opportunities.

3. Energy Companies & Partnerships

  • Some energy providers and third-party frameworks (like Dukefield Energy Framework) offer support, cost-savings, or grants tied to sustainability and carbon reduction.

  • These can also include Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and energy efficiency leasing models.

4. Trusts and Foundations

  • The National Lottery Community Fund – occasionally funds environmental or community-based education projects.

  • The Ernest Cook Trust – supports outdoor learning and environmental education.

  • The Tree Council, Eco-Schools, and similar charities offer project-based funding for climate or nature-related education.

5. Internal Funding / MAT-level Investment

  • Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and individual schools sometimes allocate internal capital budgets or ring-fence a sustainability fund.

  • Many institutions start small and use savings from early energy-efficiency wins to reinvest.

There is a dedicated resource ‘Sustainability Support For Education’ available that provides further information. Click here.

Sarah Dungar