Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF)
LEAF - Communities Working Together for Climate
LEAF is seeking to empower Tidy Towns and other voluntary community groups to take meaningful action to enhance their local environment through impactful, community-driven projects, in collaboration with another community stakeholder
The IPB Insurance & Local Government Ireland Community Fund, also known as the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), is a national partnership between IPB Insurance and all 31 local authorities. IPB Insurance is a mutual general insurance company that provide bespoke insurance solutions to the public service, education and health market.
The total fund available for groups in County Clare is €100,000. The funding grant amount is between €1,000 and €15,000 per successful application.
Eligible Groups
- Tidy Towns groups, Residents’ Associations and Community Organisations engaged in environmental action
- Groups must be registered with the Clare Public Participation Network (PPN)
Eligible projects
Projects must focus on climate action, biodiversity and/or environmental enhancement. Examples include but not limited to:
- Promotional and information campaigns public education campaigns on sustainability
- Renewable energy projects (e.g., installing solar panels for community buildings)
- Waste reduction and recycling initiatives (e.g. water refill stations)
- Water conservation projects (e.g. rainwater harvesting)
- Climate resilience projects (e.g., flood prevention measures)
- Biodiversity conservation (e.g., creating pollinator-friendly spaces)
- Tree planting and urban greening initiatives.
Application Requirements
The total fund available is €100,000. The funding grant amount is between €1,000 and €15,000 per successful application.
Community Collaboration
All applications should include collaboration with at least one other community stakeholder group, for example, local school, youth club, Lions club, sports club, Men’s Shed.
Project Impact
Applications must include a clear statement detailing the project’s proposed impact on the environment and local community benefit.
Evaluation of Applications
Relevance to Climate Action/Environmental Enhancement Goals (40%)
- Alignment with Clare County Council Climate Action Plan.
- Contribution to biodiversity and environmental enhancement.
Community Engagement and Impact (20%)
- Demonstrated benefit to the local community.
- Level of community engagement and participation in the project.
Feasibility and Sustainability (20%)
- Practicality and timeline of implementation.
- Plans for ongoing maintenance or long-term sustainability.
Innovation and Creativity (20%)
- Novel approaches to tackling environmental challenges.
- Use of local knowledge and resources.
Terms & Conditions of the LEAF Fund
- If the proposals involve material alterations, in particular to Protected Structures, planning permission may be required, and the applicant is advised to discuss such proposals with the Planning Authority.
- A summary of the works required and or physical improvements proposed must be included on or with the application form.
- The decision to award a grant rests with Clare County Council whose decision shall be final.
- Expenditure/receipts claimed or in the process of being claimed under other Clare County Council grants schemes cannot be claimed under this scheme.
- Restrictions & Drawdown: Drawdown of the grant shall only issue provided the applicant is in compliance with the following:
- Project Delivery: All successful projects must be fully completed by November 13th 2026.
- Final Impact Report: Provide a brief summary of activities, outcomes and expenditure report together with receipts and evidence of payment (e.g. bank statement showing payments).
- Before and After Photos: To visually demonstrate the impact of the project.
- Community Feedback: To include feedback from community group members involved or affected by the project.
How to Apply
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