spark grant programme

supporting projects, accelerating readiness and knowledge

The North West Net Zero Hub (hub) has launched its SPARK Grant Funding Programme. The launch was well-received across the region, and we are currently working with a number of projects, with a view to announcing the winners soon.

funding summary

The SPARK grant funding programme is available to local and combined authorities in North West England to help them bring forward net zero projects which will be suitable for capital investment with significant net zero benefits.

Our first funding round closed for applications on 9th February 2025.

The programme will award grant funding to successful local authorities for them to project manage. They can use the funding to develop proposals to invest in energy projects on public land and buildings. They can also partner with businesses or communities to investigate the opportunity for commercial or community investment that delivers a social benefit.

Alongside the grant, applicants are invited to access support from the North West Net Zero Hub to build a strong application and project.

There are three types of grants available:

Technical Feasibility Grant – up to £25,000 per local or combined authority to make tangible progress towards a Net Zero capital project(s)
Strategic Development Grant – up to £50,000 per application to address or unlock a key barrier or opportunity in the region.
Project Development Grant – up to £75,000 per application (for both individual authority and consortium proposals, regardless of consortium size) to progress Net Zero capital projects that are demonstrably feasible but have stalled at later stages of development.

application process

All applicants were asked to express interest by emailing the hub and submitting a pre-application enquiry form. This was assessed, and an appropriate member of the hub team was allocated to support with application and project scope. Projects were then sent a full application form.