They may need this support for many different reasons, for example, reduced carbon emissions, energy cost savings, upgrading energy efficiency ratings to meet future regulations, increased use or comfort of buildings, replacing older vehicles and equipment with modern energy efficient versions.

Funding of £25,000 to £250,000 is available via a blend of grants (40%) and loans (60%). The loan repayment term is one to ten years. Loans have a 2.5% arrangement fee and an interest rate of 8.5% fixed per annum. Loans will generally be provided unsecured.

Eligible organisations must:

• Be an incorporated voluntary, community or social enterprise organisation.
• Be based in England and serving communities primarily within England.
• Be constituted for social benefit and improving people’s lives or the environments they live in.
• Have a minimum of two years’ operating activity.
• Have a minimum turnover of £100,000 in their last set of end of year accounts.
• Have fewer than 250 employees and either an annual turnover not exceeding £40 million or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding £35 million.
• Be unable to access mainstream bank lending for this purpose.
• Have freehold ownership or a suitable written lease agreement with a minimum of 12 years remaining on it if they are applying to install energy saving/generating measures to buildings/land.
• Have the support of their senior decision makers for taking on loan finance.

Applications are currently being accepted. There is no deadline.