Happy New Year from the Going Green Together Team! 

We are back and excited at what is ahead for our programme and participants in 2026! 

Our first cohort of eager voluntary and community organisations here in the North East are taking the next steps in their sustainability journey through our sustainability pathway, support and partner opportunities. 

Genee and Smart Carbon are leading a new group through their first Investors in the Environment accreditation and forming a environmental action plan that is bespoke to each organisation. 

Plans are being finalised for more workshop and peer support events coming up this year for our participants, so watch this space!

From solar power and energy efficiency to meat taxes and frequent flyer levies, the study found that politicians consistently failed to appreciate people’s appetite for policies that tackle climate change. This misunderstanding has real consequences: those politicians were less willing to vote for or speak up for those policies, according to the study.

Ocean Wilders, an interactive education project, is being delivered in schools across Gateshead by Climate Action North and funded by the Metrocentre. 

Children can explore the science, stories and real-world challenges of the seas - learning why it is so important to protect them. Opportunities to get involved and host a session are available.

Join an Energy Ambassador course and become equipped to support others to reduce and manage energy costs. This includes ways to save energy, support schemes available and how to advise others with practical and financial energy advice.

Run over three sessions, this course is perfect for those who support local community members or work for a voluntary or public sector organisation. 

Up to £3,000 – Deadline 9th January - Closing soon!

The aim of the Community Chest Scheme is to support community groups and organisations to deliver activities which contribute to achieving the Council's ambition for Northumberland.

Grant amount not specified. Not-for-profit. 

As part of its long-term commitment to sustainability, the Stobart Group has launched a new fund to support community-led environmental and sustainability projects across the UK. 

The Stobart Sustainability Fund will support projects that: 

• Tackle climate change 
• Reduce carbon emissions 
• Protect and enhance the environment 

The fund aims to help educate communities on how they can make a difference by supporting diverse projects and initiatives making a positive change. 

Organisations are invited to specify the level of funding they require in their application. 

£3000 - Deadline not specified 

The Out and About Fund supports projects that enable children and young people who would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience outdoor activities such as walking, camping, climbing and environmental education in the countryside. It also supports community gardening projects for people of all ages.

Up to £10,000 - Deadline 16th January 2026

Formerly known as the Green Match Fund, BigGive’s environmental match funding campaign has rebranded to Earth Raise.

For environmental charities. The campaign is committed to amplifying the impact of every donation, doubling the difference for global efforts to protect and preserve our planet. BigGive are calling on charities whose core mission focuses on environmental issues in the UK or overseas to have their public donations doubled.

Going Green Together is a VONNE Climate Action Alliance initiative hosted by VONNE. Registered Company in England Number: 4061592. Registered Charity Number: 1084083