The Foundation is now seeking applications from charities and organisations facilitating youth-led projects focused on empowering young people to take action on the climate emergency.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £40,000 which will be received over two years. The funding will provide successful applicants with access to a framework of resources and training to deliver high-quality work with young people, utilising the existing Environment and Sustainability Curriculum - Sustainable Youth. This framework was developed by Ulster Wildlife on behalf of the Education Authority Youth Service in Northern Ireland.
To be eligible to apply an organisation must have an annual income of less than £1 million and be based in Northern Ireland.
Jim Metcalfe, chair of the Energy Saving Trust Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Ulster Wildlife to help organisations deliver the vital Sustainable Youth curriculum, with support from Airbnb. We want young people to feel more confident about taking action to address the climate emergency and making their voices heard.”
Alexey Janes, Ulster Wildlife Community Engagement Manager said: “We know that young people who are connected to nature are happier and healthier, mentally and physically. We also know that young people are the future custodians of this damaged world, so we must support them in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence to tackle the dual climate and ecological emergencies. We are therefore delighted to be working with the Energy Saving Trust Foundation to support young people in Northern Ireland to take part in our “Sustainable Youth” programme”.
Amanda Cupples, General Manager at Airbnb for Northern Europe said: "It's a privilege to be working on this with the Energy Saving Trust Foundation and Ulster Wildlife, providing funding to help more organisations deliver the Sustainable Youth curriculum. At Airbnb, we believe the climate emergency is one of the greatest challenges of our generation and these grants will support further education to empower the inspiring young people taking action in their communities, making a lasting impact on our planet.”
In the last 12 months, the Foundation has awarded 18 grants to organisations in England, Scotland and Wales. These include for projects working with D/deaf, LGBTQ+ and refugee young people as well as those not in education or training.
The deadline for Expression of Interest is 12th April 2024. Successful organisations will be announced in July 2024. Application forms and more information can be found on Energy Saving Trust’s website.