Context
The relationship between the UK and France stretches back hundreds of years. Our partnership today spans the full spectrum of issues, from trade and defence to science and culture, at both the national and sub-national level. But we also share common challenges, which we must work on together to address. This includes the fight against climate change.
Following the first UK-France call for local and regional projects in 2019, the British Embassy in Paris is launching a second competition to encourage cooperation between our two countries’ communities. In the context of the UK presidency of COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, the competition will support collaborative projects between French and UK towns and cities that help promote environmentally-friendly outcomes.
Funding
A total of £30,000 is available to support common projects led by local authorities and community groups. These funds may be allocated to two or more projects, depending on the nature of the bids received. Bids should be for no more than £15,000.
Partnerships are now invited to put in bids for this support.
Objectives
The fight against climate change requires strong local action, and local authorities in both countries have deep expertise in this field. We are therefore looking to support projects led by French and UK partners that contribute to the protection of the environment and biodiversity and the fight against climate change.
The aim is also to support existing or new links between French and UK communities. These could be based on existing twinning relationships or working with a partner on common challenges or shared ambitions.
The allocated funds could be used, for example, to support business forums or meetings to exchange best practice, to help launch a longer-term project, or to support youth or local communities’ training on environmental issues.
Funds must be spent by 28 February 2022
Bidders need to have secured the agreement of a partner in the other country to help implement the project. We regret that the British Embassy will not be able to support bids that have not yet secured a partner.
Selection criteria
Who can apply?
The British Embassy in Paris will review applications from:
- UK local authorities (including Combined Authorities and Mayoral Combined Authorities) and/ or community groups who have already secured the agreement of a French partner to support implementation of the project if the bid is successful.
- French local authorities and/or community groups who have already secured the agreement of a UK partner to support implementation of the project if the bid is successful.
Whilst the Embassy can offer some light touch support, project management and delivery will be the responsibility of the bidder or any local organisation they choose to work with.
Criteria
Project(s) selected must satisfy the following criteria:
- Green projects contributing to local environmental policies or initiatives (tackling climate change, contributing to reducing pollution, recycling waste, protecting biodiversity, renewable energies, sustainable transport…)
- Be practical with clear objectives and deliverables
- Demonstrate how it will strengthen co-operation locally between the UK and France, both in the immediate and longer term
- Demonstrate the benefit to local communities on both sides of the Channel
Funds must be spent by 28 February 2022. The British Embassy will reimburse expenditure on presentation of receipts.
Timetable
Applications must be submitted online by Monday 20 September 2021 to UKFranceFund21@fco.gov.uk The Jury will include members of the British Embassy in Paris and of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The winners will be notified on Monday 11 October 2021.
Follow this news feed: HM Government