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Applications Process

  1. Initial Contact
  2. Expression of Interest form
  3. Initial Appraisal and Feedback
  4. Full Application Form
  5. Assessment of Application
  6. Low Risk / Low Value Projects

1. Who Should I Contact?

The Climate Challenge Fund Team deal with everything relating to applications to the Climate Challenge Fund and could be considered as being the front line staff as well as behind the scenes staff. The team deal with all telephone calls regarding the scheme and all letters, emails and other communication - whether it is someone asking for general information about the scheme or asking detailed questions relating to an application that they have made to the scheme. The team can be contacted on 01786 471333 or email ccfenquiries@ksbscotland.org.uk

2. What Is The Expression of Interest Form?

The Expression of Interest (EoI) form is usually the first stage of the applications process and provides enough information for the team to make an initial assessment of the project. The questions on the form allow the Climate Challenge Fund Team to make a decision as to whether the group or organisation applying to the Climate Challenge Fund, and the proposed activities, meet the initial eligibility criteria.

The EoI form can be found on the InfoScotland website detailed above. Alternatively, the team can send out a copy either electronically by email or by post. Once the group applying for the grant has completed this form and submitted it to the Climate Challenge Fund Team, the appraisal and assessment process can start.

3. What Happens Next?

Once the Expression of Interest form has been received an initial assessment of the project application is carried out by a Climate Challenge Fund Development Officer. This initial assessment could be described as a ‘read through’ of the project proposal to ascertain whether the applicant is eligible to apply to the scheme, whether the project activity is eligible for funding and whether there are any other details within the proposal which would affect the project’s eligibility. If there are any areas within the application which need clarification before the project reaches the full application stage these can be highlighted and the project applicant informed or further information requested from them. It may also be appropriate to either direct the applicant to an alternative or complementary source of funding or to another organisation who may be able to offer assistance or who may be carrying out similar work or operating in the same geographic area.

4. When Do I Receive a Full Application Form?

When an application has been submitted at Expression of Interest stage and the applicant has been given feedback on their project proposal, they will either be given further information or guidance in order to assist them to take their project forward through an alternative channel, or they will be asked to complete a full application form to make a formal application to the Climate Challenge Fund.

If the organisation has been asked to bring their project forward through the Climate Challenge Fund, they will be sent a copy of the application form and guidance either by email or through the post. They will be asked to complete the form and return it to the team and they will acknowledge receipt of the form.

5. What Happens Under Assessment?

Once a full application form has been submitted the Development Officer dealing with that project will read through the information supplied and provide feedback to the applicant regarding the content of the form. If any areas of the application could be improved the Development Officer will provide guidance and provide details of any organisations which may be able to offer assistance or guidance.

6. What Are Low Risk / Low Value Projects?

As the Grants Panel currently meet three times a year, we realise that this may result in delays before a project can be considered at a Grants Panel meeting. Many projects are of a lower financial value or may follow a lower risk model of delivery. For this reason, we have put in place a method of considering projects which allows these projects of lower risk and lower value to be considered more frequently than the regular Grants Panel meetings.

The Low Risk / Low Value projects are circulated to the Grants Panel members on a monthly basis which allows these applicants to be informed more quickly as to whether their projects have been approved funding.