Islington Council wants to commission innovative energy projects from organisations with charitable aims through Islington Community Energy Fund (ICEF). The fund aims to support community-led, innovative energy projects that benefit Islington residents, particularly those struggling with fuel poverty, and reduce carbon emissions in the borough.
Grant use and costs covered
The grant can be used for:
- Capital costs: purchasing equipment and materials.
- Core costs: staff and/or office costs.
- Project costs: feasibility studies and consultancy fees.
The council expects that most of the grant will be used to cover capital costs.
There are three streams of funding available:
- Stream A: Feasibility Study Grants up to £10,000
- Stream B: Small Capital Works Grants up to £10,000
- Stream C: Capital Works Grants up to 50% of a project, maximum £50,000
Please read the Prospectus to see which Stream of funding you would be eligible for in this round.
Support to develop a suitable project
If you are a community organisation that is interested in the ICEF, but are not sure how to develop a suitable project or you don’t have the expertise to develop your idea, please contact the energy services team. We will try to connect you with suitable organisations who can provide support to develop your idea.
Examples of successful community energy projects
- A local housing cooperative has a long-term plan to be energy self-sufficient. This includes solar PV panels to generate electricity, making all communal lighting LED, installing electric vehicle charging points, and putting in battery storage to use all the solar power generated. The ICEF has given them a grant to begin the process by installing a large solar PV array.
- An Islington church is looking at a wide-ranging project to reduce their energy bills, including generating electricity with solar PV. The ICEF granted funding for battery storage to enable the church to use all the solar power it generates. It also granted funds to install radiant heat panels which will allow small areas of the church to be heated for community and play groups.
- A local adventure playground has been given a grant to purchase solar-powered toy car kits to help the children learn how solar power works. Their parents will build and install larger solar panels for an outdoor summer house.
- For ideas on how to create a community group or information on existing community energy projects, please visit the Community Energy England website.
Application Dates
The application window for ICEF Round 6 is now closed. We hope to launch ICEF Round 7 in Autumn, 2024.
The Prospectus and application forms are available to download on this page for information.
Please contact energyservices@islington.gov.uk if you would like any assistance or have any questions.
Other Funding
The London Community Energy Fund is a similar fund available London-wide. If you are an Islington group or an Islington-based project, you are able to apply for funding from both. Please see the London Community Energy Fund pages on the Greater London Authority website for full details and deadlines.
