Local Net Zero Hubs across England are supporting communities and local government organisations to access the latest round of grant funding from Great British Energy

The GBE Community Funds will support project development and capital investment for community energy projects

In previous years Local Net Zero Hubs have administered Community Energy Funds on behalf of Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

The administration of funds will now be managed through a national portal, but Hubs will continue to play an active role to support communities in their region of England through the grant application process with tailored advice.

This includes pre-application support, such as responding to programme queries, providing guidance on application development, and reviewing applications where capacity allows.

To allow us to provide you with appropriate support to help you develop a strong proposal, please complete our Support Request Expression of Interest Form

Please note that receiving support from the Hub, including application reviews, feedback, or technical assistance, does not guarantee funding. All applications are subject to GBE’s eligibility requirements, assessment criteria, and final decision-making process, which remains independent of any support provided by the Hub.

The two funds – which will be open until November 12^th 2026 – are as follows.

GBE Community Fund

• Funding for community organisations set up to run energy projects for local benefit.
• Funding is available at three stages:
  • Stage 1: Feasibility. Up to £40,000 to test whether your project idea is viable.
  • Stage 2: Development. Up to £100,000 to turn a viable idea into an investment-ready project.
  • Stage 3: Capital. Up to £3 million, or 50% of total project value, to help a construction-ready project bridge remaining funding gaps.
• You must be a legally constituted, incorporated community organisation and your project must be designed to be at least 50% community owned when operational.
• Eligible organisations include community benefit societies, community interest companies, co-operative societies, development trusts and registered charities.

Applications to the Community Fund can be made here.

GBE Partnerships Grant

• Funding for local authorities in England currently working with a Community Energy Group or wanting to work with one.
• Funding is available at two stages:
  • Stage 1: Partnership formation and feasibility. Up to £40,000 to form your partnership and test whether a project is viable.
  • Stage 2: Development. Up to £100,000 to take a project that has proven feasible into detailed development.
• The local authority is the lead applicant. You must be a local authority in England, applying with a community energy group that provides a letter of support. This does not need to be a an existing partnership.

Applications for the Partnerships Grant can be made here

The expressions of interest form will close for new submission at 11:55pm on November 4^th 2026. Please allow two weeks for a response.