Not For Profit Funding

Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2

LCBP2 (Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2) and SCHRI (Scottish Community & Householder Renewables Initiative) are the main two funding schemes avaliable for Not-For-Profit installations.

Which organisations qualify under LCBP2?

The programme is designed to assist in the uptake of microgeneration technologies by organisations in the UK public and Not-For-Profit sectors, including:

Local authorities
Housing associations
Public service organisations
Schools, colleges & universities
Hospitals
Registered Charities
Framework Suppliers & Installation

Applicants can only source their microgeneration installations through “Framework Suppliers” who are selected by the Government following a competitive tender process to ensure quality, range and value for money. Sun Harvester is nominated sub-contractor to one of the three “Framework Suppliers”.

What level of funding is available?

Grants are available up to a maximum of £1.0 million per site (note: a site may include more than one property) Multiple application from one organisation for different sites will also be accepted. The grant levels for solar water heating and PV are 50% of the total purchase and installation costs.

How does the application process work?

LCBP2 is managed by the BRE who have been appointed by the Government to manage all aspects of the application process. Applicants are able to apply either online or by post. Onlines application are preferred, as they reduce the administration costs and can be processed more efficiently. Applicants are assessed by the BRE who then contact the applicant with the decision within 5-7 working days. Grant applications over £100,000 may require more detailed assessments and therefore may take longer to process.

Are there any other eligibility criteria for receiving a grant?

The BRE will assess applications against criteria set out in the application form. The main criteria relate to the type of organisation, use of the framework suppliers and meeting the £/tonne CO2 benchmark figures.

What can the grant be used for?

The grant must be used to fund the supply and installation of a renewable energy scheme at the permanent building location in the UK. In general only costs directly related to the installed equipment and work are eligible. For solar water heating systems this can be considered to include:

Costs of equipment (including solar panels, pipe work, hot water cylinders and controls)
Costs of installation of the solar water heating system
Costs of connecting the solar water heating system to hot water system of the property
Costs of any scaffolding or access equipment used for the installation of the solar system.
VAT is excluding from the grant.

What other supporting documents need to be supplied with the application?

Electronic copies of quotations from installers as well as proof of not-for-profit status must be either attached to the online application or enclosed on CD-ROM/floppy disk for paper applications.

Is it possible to obtain match funding from any other programmes?

Applicants are not entitled to apply for or receive other funding from UK Government or any devolved administrations in relation to the proposed technology and its installation. However, applicants may receive funding from other public sources (including BIG lottery and local government).

When is the grant paid?

Applicants are able to make an interim claim of up to 50% of the total grant for ongoing working and/or capital costs based on providing original paid supplier and/or installer invoices. Applicants are entitled to claim the total grant, or the remainder following an interim claim, when the installation (whether at the same property or various different properties) has been completed.

How long will the grant offer be valid for?

The grant offer letter will specify a deadline, usually within 12 months from the date of the letter by which time the installation of the technology should be completed.

How long will the grants be available for?

The LCBP2 grant scheme is due to run until 2010.

Area Based Funding

If you are situated in the Highlands & Islands (Fort William, Inverness, etc) then you can apply for funding from the HICEC (Highlands & Islands Community Energy Company).