Environment hero

Community Climate Action Fund 2025

Cavan County Council, in conjunction with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), is hoping to launch a new round of the Community Climate Action Fund later in 2025.

We are now accepting expressions of interest from Cavan based community groups who are considering an application under this fund and would like to discuss their project proposals in advance of the application process opening.

The overall objective of the fund is to support and empower communities, in partnership with Cavan County Council, to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities to take climate action at a local level. Projects must deliver a direct positive impact on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or helping communities adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Under Strand 1 of the CCAF in 2024, 17 Cavan community groups shared funding of €439,000 to deliver climate action projects in their respective communities. We expect a similar funding amount and eligibility criteria for the next iteration of the programme once formally announced by the DCEE.

Grant Size:

  • Small scale projects < €20,000
  • Medium scale projects €20,000 to €50,000
  • Large scale projects €50,000 to €100,000

Project Requirements

The project applied for must be in line with the aim/purpose of the funding and only one application per organisation may be submitted for consideration. Projects should address at least one, preferably several, of the following five themes:

  1. Community Energy - Actions that improve the energy efficiency of community buildings and small-scale renewable energy projects.
  2. Travel - Actions that encourage less car journeys in favour of more sustainable modes of transport.
  3. Food and Waste - Projects that support community food growing initiatives and the reduction of waste.
  4. Shopping and Recycling - Initiatives which support the circular economy, such as upcycling, library of things and fix-it initiatives.
  5. Local Climate and Environmental Action - Initiatives which support nature and biodiversity whilst building climate resilience, such as tree planting, bug residencies and sustainable urban drainage initiatives.

Who Can Apply / Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a not-for-profit organisation.
  • Must be located in the operational area of Cavan County Council
  • Must be registered with the PPN or connected with other collectives such as the Wheel, Tidy Towns and/or a community group with Articles of Association or a constitution, which hold an AGM and for which approved minutes are available.

Who Cannot Apply

  • Private individuals
  • Commercial undertakings (including sole traders)
  • National community and environmental organisations

Expressions of Interest

If you are interested in applying for this fund or seeking further information, please make contact with Tara Smith, Community Climate Action Officer, please email tarasmith@cavancoco.ie.


Learn how Fairgreen Community Garden have benefited from receiving Community Climate Action Funding


Below are some of the climate action initiatives that were funded under phase 1 of the Community Climate Action Fund:
  • Solar PV Installation
  • Retrofitting Community Buildings
  • Community Composting
  • Energy Efficiency Upgrades
  • LED Community Lighting
  • Community Bike Racks
  • Community Gardens
  • Swap Shops
  • Water Filling Stations
  • Tree Planting and Fruit Orchards
  • Pollinator/Biodiversity Projects