Climate Challenge Fund and Big Climate Pot

If you have an idea that you think might be of interest,
complete our project proposal form below

How we can help

The Climate Partnership has been established to kickstart new projects and activities that can help deliver the climate and biodiversity targets set out in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s environment and climate strategy.

Our vision is for everyone in the Borough to benefit from cleaner air and water, with greater biodiversity and a happier healthier population. You can find out more about the kind of projects we have supported and to view the data that guides our decision making by clicking here.

The Climate Partnership offers support and resources to incubate ideas, including in some cases offering funding to help launch new projects. We are particularly interested in projects that aim to do more, more quickly to address the impact of biodiversity loss and climate change, including those that impact positively on residents of the Royal Borough and that are scalable across our area or more widely.

We can offer expert advice from members of our Steering Group and in due course we will also offer support and capacity from our Climate Partnership membership – groups that may include project partners, community organisations, businesses and others focused on a common theme such as Biodiversity, Circular Economy, Energy, Transport or Skills development.

Climate Challenge Fund

If you have an idea for a project that you think might be of interest or that might benefit from our support please complete the project proposal form. We can offer advice, resources and some financial support if appropriate.

We accept applications from non-constituted community groups, registered charities, CICs and businesses. We do not accept applications from individuals.

If we consider that your proposal fits with our vision, then our Climate Partnership Coordinator can work with you to fully develop your idea for consideration by the Climate Partnership Board. We aim to respond to all project proposal applications within two weeks.

Decisions about funding or support are made monthly by our Steering Group and they follow this governance, however we cannot guarantee that your proposal will be taken forward to a particular board meeting or that resources will be available to support your project or activity. 

Please do read our FAQs to see if your project idea would benefit from the Climate Challenge Fund.

Please ensure that all pages of the document are completed. Once completed, please email to: [email protected].

Big Climate Pot

The Climate Partnership is excited to announce the launch of the Big Climate Pot for 2025 of £25,000. This funding opportunity aims to support innovative and impactful projects that contribute to sustainability and climate action within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. We are seeking dynamic proposals that align with our vision of fostering environmental resilience and community well-being.

Who can apply? 

  • Community groups, educational institutions, businesses operating in the borough
  • Joint applications from more than one community or business

Project Attributes of Interest:

Although we are not being prescriptive in defining what makes an ideal project, we encourage applicants to consider the following elements when shaping their proposals:

  • Match Funding: Initiatives that leverage additional funding sources to maximise impact.
  • Behavioural Change: Programs that inspire and instil sustainable practices within the community.
  • Co-Benefits: Projects that provide added social, economic, or environmental benefits alongside their primary objectives.
  • Multi-Solving Aspects: Approaches that address multiple challenges at once, delivering broader positive outcomes.
  • Collaborations: Partnerships with other groups, businesses, or community organisations to strengthen project execution and reach.

While we remain open to a broad range of project ideas, the Steering Group will prioritise proposals that demonstrate significant impact within the borough.

Projects that influence both within and beyond the borough boundaries will be considered, but emphasis will be placed on those with a clear, substantial local benefit.

We believe that collaborative efforts and innovative ideas are the cornerstones of sustainable progress. Whether your proposal involves education, technology, infrastructure, or community outreach, we welcome diverse concepts that share our commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Applications are now open. Start preparing your project ideas now and fill in an application form which has been attached to this email.

Deadline for all submissions will be 30th May 2025.