The Welsh Government Climate Conversations fund is now open to applications. The aim of the fund is to support organisations with established links to community groups to host local events to encourage people to join in on conversations around the central theme for the Week, “adapting to our changing climate”. To meet the eligibility criteria, you will need to cover a set of open and closed questions (included within the Organisers’ Pack) during your event and capture the outcome of the conversations in a post-event report.
The deadline for Climate Conversation applications is Monday 14 October 2024.
The purpose of the events will be to gather evidence to understand the levels of concern amongst the general public about climate change, the impact it is already having on particular groups, and the actions needed to address any disproportionate impacts of climate change within our communities. The events will also explore the potential opportunities arising from climate change. The evidence gathered will used to deepen the Welsh Government’s understanding on the risks posed to different groups, including whether people have the knowledge, resources and support needed to build on successful place-based solutions already being delivered within our communities.
Who can apply for the fund?
The fund aims to support organisations with strong links to community groups such as:
- Local government organisations including local authorities, community partnerships and town councils.
- Third sector non-profit organisations such as environmental groups, charities, community and voluntary groups.
- Organisations and networks representing marginalised and equality-based groups.
- Education providers such as schools, further and higher education institutions.
- Industry and business networks
Applications will not be considered from businesses with an interest in using the fund for commercial purposes, or from social media influencers.
What about the target audience for the events?
The fund will prioritise applications from organisations with links to the following societal groups:
- Marginalised groups (e.g. people and groups excluded from mainstream social, economic, cultural or political life due to factors such as race, sexual orientation, physical and mental disability, religion, political or cultural beliefs, age, gender, or financial status)
- Digitally excluded people
- Children and young people
- Older people
- Farmers and rural community groups
- Lower socio-economic groups and communities
- Welsh-speaking communities
- People in precarious living situations (e.g. those experiencing homelessness or short-term housing tenure)
- People whose voices might otherwise go unheard
Who will facilitate the Climate Conversations Fund?
Freshwater, as the appointed contractor acting on behalf of the Welsh Government, will manage all queries, administration, support and payments associated with the fund. If you have any questions, please contact Freshwater by email at walesclimateweek@freshwater.co.uk.
Is there a timeframe for when the events need to be held?
Successful applicants will need to hold their events on a scheduled date between Monday 4th November - Friday 10th January 2024. Should you wish to change the date of your event, then this will need to be agreed in advance with Freshwater on behalf of the Welsh Government.
What is the application process?
- To apply to host a Climate Conversations event, all applications must to be submitted by the deadline of Monday 14th October. The application form can be found here.
- Applicants are advised to save a copy of their completed form before submitting for their future reference.
- Freshwater will check all applications for any missing information or points of clarification before the Welsh Government evaluation panel meets to review all applications in October.
- Freshwater will notify all applicants of the outcome by w/c 21st October including feedback from the panel.
- Freshwater will then contact the successful applicants to finalise payment agreements and paperwork.
What are the payment terms?
Freshwater will send clear instructions to all successful applicants on the payment terms and process for accessing the fund. An initial payment of 50% will be made in advance of the event, and 50% in arrears. Successful applicants will be sent a grant agreement by Freshwater which will need to be signed, following which an invoice (inclusive of VAT) should be raised to Freshwater for the full amount of the grant. Upon receipt of the final report and confirmation from Freshwater that it meets the agreed level of detail required the final payment will be made. Freshwater will be able to answer any queries that successful applicants may have over the payment terms and conditions.
How much funding can I apply for and what costs are eligible?
The fund is designed to only cover reasonable costs associated with organising, promoting and facilitating the events. There is no set threshold per application but a value for money assessment will be made by the Welsh Government evaluation panel, taking into account the scale of the event. Depending on the level of demand and funding available, the Welsh Government may be required to put a cap on the number of approved applications.
The fund will cover costs such as marketing and promotional activity, venue hire, catering and refreshments, audio visual, hiring a trained facilitator, and reasonable out of pocket expenses. Funding requests should be inclusive of VAT. The fund will not cover expenses such as staffing costs, speaker fees, photographer / videographer, production of materials for longer-term use and printing costs.
Who will be responsible for organising and facilitating the events, and will event management support will be provided?
The successful applicants will be responsible for promoting and organising the events. However, Freshwater will provide support and guidance as required. This includes an Organiser’s Pack and for successful applicants, an invitation from Freshwater for you to attend a virtual meeting to provide tips on how to organise, promote, facilitate your event. Previous hosts from the 2023 event will be invited to join the meeting to share experiences. The meeting will also provide you with the opportunity to network and ask questions around the key requirements of the events.
Who will be responsible for handling personal data?
The handling of invitations and any personal data associated with the Climate Conversation events will be your responsibility, and personal data should not be shared with Freshwater or with the Welsh Government.
Is there a deadline for submitting my post-event report?
All post-event reports summarising discussions held during the event should ideally be submitted to Freshwater within 7 working days, but ultimately by the deadline of Friday 31st January 2025. A template for the post-event report is included within the Organisers’ Pack.
I would like to hold an event to coincide with Wales Climate Week but do not require funding support or wish to adhere to the required format of the Climate Conversations events.
If you are planning on holding and funding your own event to coincide with the Week, then please complete the Fringe events form which can be found here. This will enable us to publicise details of your event on a new Wales Climate Week fringe events calendar to be published soon.
