Type: Mixed Grant & Loan
Value: £25k - £250k (40% grant)
Location: England
Contact: sheila.forster@ubele.org
What is the Energy Resilience Fund?
The Energy Resilience Fund (ERF) provides a blended funding package comprising a 60% loan and 40% grant to enhance the energy resilience of eligible charities and social enterprises in England. This initiative supports projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering energy costs.
The Fund is delivered through a partnership including Social Investment Business, Big Issue Invest, Charity Bank, Co-operative and Community Finance, Groundwork UK, Key Fund, Resonance Ltd, The Architectural Heritage Fund, and The Ubele Initiative.
Who is it for?
Charities and social enterprises based in England seeking to improve energy efficiency. Eligible activities include:
Reducing carbon emissions.
Lowering energy costs.
Meeting future energy efficiency regulations.
Improving building use or comfort.
Replacing older vehicles and equipment.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be:
Incorporation as a charity, CIC, or Community Benefit Society.
Based and operating primarily in England.
Active for at least 2 years with a minimum turnover of £100k.
Employing fewer than 250 staff, with an annual turnover not exceeding £40m or a balance sheet total not exceeding £35m.
Unable to access mainstream bank lending for this purpose.
Free from insolvency proceedings.
Supported by senior decision-makers for loan finance applications.
Funding Details:
Product: Blended loan (60%) and grant (40%)
Amount: £25k – £250k (including 40% grant)
Loan Term: 1 – 10 years (optional capital repayment holiday up to 12 months)
Interest Rate: 8.5% fixed per annum
Arrangement Fee: 2.5% of loan value
Loan Security: Generally unsecured, secured only by exception
Eligible Expenditures Include:
Energy-efficient lighting, insulation, and glazing upgrades
Solar panels, battery storage, and heating systems
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
Equipment for catering, manufacturing, or facility upgrades
How to Apply:
To begin your application, Click Here.
The Ubele Initiative is one of the support partners and offers pre- and post-application support, including application assistance, document preparation, and post-funding advice. When you apply for funding, please select Ubele from the drop-down list.
