Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has launched a brand new £50,000 Community Promises Fund to support local communities across the north of England.

NGN delivers gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses in the North East, northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire, covering cities and town including Leeds, Hull, Bradford, York, Huddersfield, Darlington and Newcastle.

Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), a charity dedicated to creating positive change in local communities, will manage the new Fund and distribute grants to successful applicants. The Northern Gas Networks Community Promises Fund will offer grants of £1,000 – £10,000 to third sector organisations and community groups with innovative approaches to delivering sustainable initiatives in council areas of the North of England served by NGN.

The Community Promises Fund will support projects, events and initiatives which will help to alleviate hardship and other challenges associated with fuel poverty, educate around environmental energy efficiency ideas and raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Funding will also be available to groups who encourage people to get involved with STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) and related career opportunities.

Tom Bell, Head of Social Strategy for NGN, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in our partnership with Leeds Community Foundation, which will give NGN a great opportunity to work with and support charities and local community groups across our network on new and exciting initiatives. This will help us better understand and develop partnerships in the communities that we serve. I look forward to seeing what I believe will be a diverse range of ideas and to exploring some very innovative projects that we can help take forward.”

LCF’s Chief Executive, Sally-Anne Greenfield, said: “We are delighted to be working with Northern Gas Networks on this fantastic fund which will help to alleviate issues such as fuel poverty and help generate awareness and education surrounding energy efficiency. We will be working with other Community Foundations across the North of England to ensure the money is distributed to the projects and initiatives which can help those most in need.”

The deadline for all Community Promises Fund applications is Thursday 22 September, with successful applicants receiving grants by the end of November.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.