CAPTION: Give 2 Go Green is a new Church of England pilot campaign which helps churches install measures that reduce their carbon emissions.
18 Churches Get Green Light for Give 2 Go Green Scheme
18 churches have been successful in their applications in a new Church of England project called Give 2 Go Green.
Give 2 Go Green is a new grant fund which helps churches install measures that reduce their carbon emissions.
It is a pilot project, currently being conducted in the Diocese of Exeter and the Diocese of Leeds, with funding from the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon Programme.
The project offers churches a 50% grant towards their project, if they can raise the other 50% through digital giving platform Give A Little.
In November 2023, 18 applications were submitted for the campaign, and all have been offered funding for their projects.
Currently, representatives from the churches are busy setting up their Give A Little accounts, and preparing their fundraising campaigns.
In February, they will begin their 6-week targeted campaign. This will involve asking their congregations and wider communities to raise 50% of their project costs through digital giving, either through online donations via a website or through giving machines.
The churches will then get a match funded grant, and will have 12 months to complete the project.
As this is a pilot project, it is a learning opportunity.
Our Net Zero Carbon Officer, Sophie Phillips, will work closely with our Church Buildings Officers, Archdeacon and the DAC to overcome any obstacles and learn how best we can mitigate these in future rounds of funding.
The applications received so far have included double and secondary glazing, LED lighting, window repairs, suspended ceiling insulation in a hall, pew heaters, heating controls, pipe insulation and more.
Our Net Zero Carbon Officer, Sophie Phillips said, “We even had a couple of applications for solar PV on where energy efficiency improvements have already been made.
“Julian Atkins, the CofE Net Zero Programme manager was very pleased with the number and quality of application received in such a short application window. We want to thank all the PCC teams who contributed to this so far.”
One Church which is taking part in the project is St Mary and All Saints in Plystock.
Dr Kerry Gilbert, Churchwarden at St Mary and All Saints, said, “We had out church energy audit in July and realised there were things we could do that would make a difference.”
“We had already been looking at updating our lighting and were inspired by the more climate-friendly and effective ways the energy advisor suggested to heat the people in our cold and drafty church.
“When the Give to Go Green Campaign was announced, we were excited to have the opportunity to kick start our audit-inspired Net-Zero Action plan, we’re hoping that upgrading and greening our lighting and heating with enthuse the Parish to strive towards being responsible stewards of God’s creation here in Plymstock and Hooe.”
We are hoping to be selected to take part in the second round of Give 2 Go Green. If that happens, we expect to be able to open applications in the Spring.
If you think this scheme would be helpful for you, have a look at the application documents on our website or get in touch with our Net Zero Carbon Officer. Email Sophie
To find out more information about the Give 2 Go Green project, click here.
