Record £70,000 climate grants awarded to Fife community groups

The seed funding was confirmed last month, and will help deliver practical action for climate and nature, while also supporting community wellbeing and resilience.

Now in its third year, the funding forms part of the Community Climate Grants scheme, a joint initiative between Fife Climate Hub and Climate Action Fife.

In 2025, the Seed and Development Fund was significantly boosted by £50,000 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, in addition to the usual £20,000 provided by the Scottish Government.

Alice Henderson, climate hub manager, said: “It is a real privilege to be part of a Fife-wide community that values climate action so highly.

“We received a record number of applications from groups taking action on climate, and additional support from Fife Council increased the funding pot by 250%. The quality of applications was exceptionally high, making the panel’s decisions very difficult. “

The St Andrews Environmental Network (StAndEN) will use funding to support Floor It Forwards - a community reuse initiative installing 20 high-quality reclaimed carpets in low-income and vulnerable households across north-east Fife.

Gavin Brady from StAndEN said: “We’ve received a significant number of donated carpets that would otherwise have gone to landfill. This funding allows us to cover installation materials, contribute towards our carpet fitter’s time and reach rural households. The project offers a gentle introduction to climate action by combining warmer homes, lower energy bills and practical education rooted in everyday life.”

East Wemyss C.A.F.E. - Community Access For Everyone - will work with Rebel Larder to deliver training on sourcing and butchering locally culled wild deer, improving local food security and connection to land.

Jane Fraser said: “Many of our members aren’t yet engaged in conversations about climate change. We hope that teaching 12 local people this traditional skill will spark discussion in the village about better food systems and how everyday food choices affect the climate.”

Meanwhile, Levenmouth Foodbank Community Support Project received funding to create an edible garden space commemorating friends lost from their café community. The project will fund equipment, staff time and hall hire for planning sessions, with the new outdoor space providing opportunities for connection, improved mental wellbeing and confidence in local food growing.

Other groups to receive funding included Aberdour Climate Action Network, Greener Kirkcaldy

Kinghorn Community Land Association (KCLA), The Ecology Centre, Vegan Fife, CLEAR Buckhaven and Methil, Footprint East Neuk, Seafield Environmental Group, Big Green Market, Methilhill Childrens Community Initiative, The Hive Kirkcaldy, Burnturk and Kettlehill Community Trust, Kirkcaldy Islamic Centre, Dunnikier Country Park Development Group, Forgan Arts Centre, Floral Action Burntisland, and Nourish Support Centre.

Applications are open on a rolling basis - contact Chris Taylor at [email protected] to find out more.