Glasgow Opens £250,000 Fund for Local Environmental Projects
Glasgow City Council has announced the opening of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Community Support Fund, offering a significant opportunity for organisations to bring their environmental projects to life. Funded through income from LEZ penalty charges, the £250,000 pot aims to improve air quality, reduce climate change emissions, and enhance Glasgow’s public spaces.
With grants ranging from £20,000 to £50,000, the council is encouraging a wide variety of groups to apply, from community interest companies and charities to housing associations, colleges, and businesses.
This new initiative builds on the success of Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone, which was introduced to tackle air pollution and create a healthier city. According to Cllr Angus Millar, Convener for Transport and Climate, early signs indicate that the LEZ is already improving air quality.
“With this new fund, we will be able to extend its positive impact by supporting local environmental projects,” said Millar. “This is a great opportunity for groups and organisations to come forward with initiatives.”
The fund is also part of a broader strategy, alongside the Greening the City programme, which will see an equal share of £500,000 LEZ income used to plant trees and enhance green spaces.
The fund is designed to support projects that deliver tangible environmental benefits. Successful proposals could focus on:
Improving air quality in Glasgow.
Reducing carbon emissions.
Enhancing the city’s amenity, such as public spaces or community areas.
Organisations can apply for grants to launch entirely new initiatives or to scale up existing programmes that align with these goals.
The council has deliberately kept eligibility broad to encourage diverse participation. Groups and organisations that can apply include:
Charities and community benefit organisations.
Housing associations.
Community interest companies.
Universities and further education colleges.
Private and voluntary sector organisations.
This inclusive approach reflects Glasgow’s commitment to engaging all parts of the community in its environmental transformation.
With the application process now open, interested groups can access guidance packs and detailed information on the council’s website at glasgow.gov.uk/lezcommunityfund.
To ensure transparency and support, the council will host an online information event on Wednesday 11 December 2024. This session will provide applicants with tips on how to craft strong proposals and answer any questions about the process.
Key dates for the fund are as follows:
Deadline for applications: 5pm on Friday, 31 January 2025.
Notification of successful applicants: End of February 2025.
Project delivery deadline: By the end of 2025.
Recipients of the grants will be required to meet specific terms and conditions. This includes providing regular updates on project progress, financial monitoring information, and a final report. The council’s focus on accountability ensures that funds are used effectively to achieve the intended environmental outcomes.
Glasgow’s LEZ has already made strides in reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality, but this fund takes those efforts to the next level. By investing in grassroots projects, the city is empowering local groups to play an active role in its environmental transformation.
Planting new trees, revitalising community spaces, and promoting innovative sustainability projects are just some of the ways the LEZ Community Support Fund could make a tangible difference. As Cllr Millar noted, “We can deliver both cleaner air and greener streets in the city centre and beyond.”
The fund is more than a financial incentive; it’s a call to action for Glasgow’s communities to take ownership of their environment. With the effects of climate change becoming ever more visible, initiatives like this highlight how local efforts can drive meaningful change.
Moreover, by funding diverse organisations, Glasgow City Council is fostering collaboration between public, private, and third-sector groups, an approach that is vital for tackling complex issues like air pollution and sustainability.
If you’re part of an organisation with a vision for a greener, cleaner Glasgow, this is your chance to make it happen. With grants of up to £50,000 on offer, the LEZ Community Support Fund represents a unique opportunity to turn ideas into action.
Visit glasgow.gov.uk/lezcommunityfund to download the application pack, learn more about the online information event, and start preparing your proposal.
As Glasgow takes its next steps toward sustainability, the fund serves as a reminder that tackling environmental challenges requires collective effort. With creativity, commitment, and collaboration, the city is lighting the way for a cleaner, greener future.
