WARM UP, COSTS DOWN GRANT SUMMARY
This grant will reopen on 1 August 2025.
The aim of this grant is to support households considering ways to keep warm or reduce energy costs (please note that this is different to the Energy Efficiency Grant which focuses on making alterations to the home).
Grant funding of up to £200 can be applied for to support the purchase of items to keep people warm at home or help reduce energy costs throughout the year, but particularly during winter.
We have made some suggestions as to the type of items we are looking to fund but we are happy to consider other items as long as they fit into the themes of heating the person or reducing energy costs.
Funding cycles
Following discussion at the Board it has been decided that grants will now run with VRG’s financial year July – June. A resident may apply for one grant in each category in each financial year. The scheme is reopening in August this year owing to staff holidays.
Please note that a grant scheme may be closed if the funds are spent early. A resident would then have to wait until July the following year.
We do not accept retrospective grant applications, so please do not purchase goods or services before receiving approval.
Grants are discretionary and the Board’s decision is final.
What can be funded:
We have made suggestions as to the type of items we are looking to fund, See guidance tab for more details.
Who is eligible:
We welcome applications from permanent residents of the Carron Valley and District Area who are over 16 years of age. Each household in the region is eligible up to £200 in any given funding cycle. See guidance tab for more information.
How do I apply:
The application process is easy. Read the Guidance Notes in full. Gather a quote/costing. This can simply be a copy of items in a catalogue. Complete and submit the Application Form. If successful, funds are paid to applicants when your application is approved. Receipts will be required after you have completed your project.
The Grants Sub-Group, supported by the VRG Administrator, will assess each application anonymously. We aim to respond within 4-6 weeks of receipt of a completed application.
If you require any support with your application or would like to discuss a possible application, please contact admin@valleyrenewables.co.uk.
WARM UP, COSTS DOWN GRANT GUIDANCE
The aim of this grant is to support households considering ways to keep warm or reduce energy costs (please note that this is different to the Energy Efficiency Grant which focuses on making alterations to the home).
Grant funding of up to £200 can be applied for to support the purchase of items to keep people warm at home or help reduce energy costs throughout the year, but particularly during winter.
We do not accept retrospective grant applications, so please do not purchase goods or services before receiving approval.
We have made some suggestions as to the type of items we are looking to fund but we are happy to consider other items as long as they fit into the themes of heating the person or reducing energy costs.
Rechargeable electric hand warmers
Wearable blankets
Slippers
Disposable heated insoles
Heated gilet
Microwaveable wheat bag
Hot water bottle
Electric heat pad
Electric foot warmer
Electric blanket
Weighted blankets
Thermal t-shirts/Socks/Leggings
Slow Cooker
Microwave
Heated Clothes Dryer
Air Fryer
Single Cup Kettle
Eligibility criteria. Applications must:
- Be from a permanent resident living in the Carron Valley Community Council area
- Be signed by someone 16 years of age or over
- Deliver against the grant’s objectives.
Funding cycles
Following discussion at the Board it has been decided that grants will now run with VRG’s financial year July – June.
Please note that a grant scheme may be closed if the funds are spent early, applicants will then have to wait until July.
Grants are discretionary and the Board’s decision is final.
The procedure for making a grant application is as follows:
- Read these guidelines in full
- Obtain a quote or price for items
- Complete the application form and send it to the VRG Admin Officer admin@valleyrenewables.co.uk with the quotes.
The Administrator, in association with the Grants Sub-committee will review applications as and when they are submitted and distributed, with a response typically provided to the applicant within four to six weeks . This timeline is for guidance since the VRG is run by unpaid volunteers who give their time voluntarily to the group.
In making grants the Administrator and Sub-Committee will be guided by how well the project will address the grant fund objectives. The Board reserves the right to decline to support an application which they consider does not address these or is ineligible. Applicants refused a grant will be entitled to receive an explanation for the decision and the Board’s decision will be final. The guidelines specify the upper limit of any award to be made. Should you not be happy with any part of the process please inform us as soon as possible in writing to The Chair.
For approved grants, VRG will pay the applicant once the grant has been approved and estimates/quotes submitted. The applicant must submit all receipts after their project is completed. This is to allow VRG to meet the requirements of the charity regulator. Failure to submit receipts would mean that this household would not be able to apply for any further grant funding from VRG.
VRG Grant Conditions
Any award made will be subject to the following conditions:
- Except in exceptional circumstances no work or purchase for which a grant is sought should take place until notification of an award has been made in writing. Once grant is approved by VRG payment will be sent to applicant.
- All receipts must be submitted to VRG upon completion of the project.
- Awards will only be made to permanent residents operating within the Carron Valley Community Council area.
- Valley Renewables shall be entitled to reclaim any funds that it considers to have been used inappropriately, or where spend is not evidenced.
Defibrillators