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Funding

Funding

The MCS Foundation is open to funding a range of projects that advance our mission to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and low carbon technologies.

We are currently developing some of our grants programmes and will re-open for applications soon. If you have already submitted an Expression of interest, we will be in touch shortly.

If you’re interested in applying for funding from the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship grants scheme, you can find more information and links to application forms here: Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship Grant Scheme

To be kept informed of future grant programmes, please sign up for our newsletter below.

New UK homes with sustainable energy

Accelerating

Funding should usually be for specific time-bound projects that accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and low carbon technologies with a specific focus on scaling up the delivery of whole house retrofit. For the avoidance of doubt, retrofit means fabric and renewable technologies. Projects should have a UK-wide impact, either through having a national reach or through developing/demonstrating an innovative approach that could be replicated, adapted or scaled up.

As a UK-wide Foundation, bids specific to the context in the devolved nations and regions are welcome.

Themes

  • Business case development, strategy planning and/or implementation of local and wider area whole house
    retrofit schemes.
  • Whole house retrofit supply chain development.
  • Skills development and CPD.
  • Community engagement.

Criteria

  • Seed funding for innovative initiatives.
  • Support delivery of a proof of concept.
  • Research to support innovation.
  • Capacity building in one of the themed areas.
  • Sharing good practice.

Financial and Governance

1

Applications that have matched funding will be looked upon favourably.

2

Grants will usually be for £5,000 to £50,000. In exceptional cases grants will be considered for higher amounts up to £100,000.

3

Applications may be submitted from public organisations and not-for-profit companies as well
as charities.

What we do not fund

1

Installations & refurbishments

for example commercial and private properties, community buildings and schools

2

Transport

for example electric charging points, battery power development

Local Area Retrofit Accelerator (LARA) 

The MCS Foundation is looking for financial support from philanthropic and institutional investors to help retrofit UK homes and support our Local Area Retrofit Accelerator (LARA) in partnership with local authorities.

The initial investment would support local authorities and stakeholders to develop a retrofit plan, run facilitation groups bringing together everyone needed to deliver retrofit services and businesses in the designated area.  The pilot project will initially target three local authorities and The MCS Foundation will employ dedicated staff to help oversee the project and provide additional expertise. The MCS Foundation will set up delivery groups and be a partner in the initial phase of developing the plan.

The project wants to explore ways that philanthropic and institutional investors can help facilitate the retrofitting industry across the UK and this pilot project will help develop a clear pathway that can be replicated in other local authorities.  Once the plans have been developed and costed we will then be looking for organisations who would be willing to work with and invest in these local authorities’ areas and support the infrastructure investment programmes they will generate through these retrofitting plans.   

This is a unique opportunity to help grow businesses, support employment, develop skills to boost the local economy and tackle fuel poverty.  We are seeking support to develop the Local Area Retrofit Strategies. The second opportunity will be once plans are developed and costed on what investment is required to transform people’s homes in partnership with specific Local Authorities and Combined Authorities to tackle fuel poverty and make homes fit for the future.

Development of the Local Area Retrofit Accelerator has been led and funded by the MCS Foundation, a charity whose vision is to make every UK home carbon-free. LARA is a collaboration between the MCS Foundation and Ashden, Connected Places Catapult, National Retrofit Hub and the UK Green Building Council.