A new approach to grant funding is driving action for climate change in Greater Geelong.
Our Council’s inaugural round of Climate Change Partnership Grants were awarded in 2022 to kickstart climate action undertaken by community groups.
The first of the partnership grants was awarded to 100% Clean Bellarine for a pilot program to promote renewable energy to around 50 commercial and industrial businesses in Ocean Grove.
According to Karen Weaver from 100% Clean Bellarine, the $50,000 grant will help small businesses see the benefits of switching to renewables.
Every small business that switches to renewable energy helps reduce the greenhouse gas emissions profile across Greater Geelong. If successful, there’s potential for the program to be scaled up and applied to other industrial and commercial businesses across the municipality.
The second grant, also for $50,000, was awarded to Geelong Sustainability for an All-Electric Homes program.
The program is designed to not only educate residents about the benefits of an all-electric, zero-emissions home, but also support them to make the switch through a participant-only discount purchasing program. This program is expected to be launched later in 2023.
Based on a co-design approach to climate action, the Climate Change Partnership Grants are a unique way that we’re supporting the community to work collaboratively to reach net-zero community emissions by 2035.
The grants are most suited to established groups with the experience and capacity to deliver larger-scale projects.
The grants will re-open for applications in mid-2023.
