Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has this month (October) launched its annual £50,000 Community Promises Fund, in partnership with Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), to support local communities across the north of England.

The NGN Community Promises Fund will once again offer grants of £1,000 to £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. LCF, a charity dedicated to creating positive change in local communities, will manage the new fund and distribute grants to successful applicants.

Started in 2016, the Community Promises Fund supports projects, events and initiatives which help to alleviate hardship and other challenges associated with fuel poverty, educate around energy efficiency ideas and raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Funding is also 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 at Northern Gas Networks, said: “I’m delighted to announce that we will, once again, be working in partnership with Leeds Community Foundation to support charities and local community groups across our network.

“Last year we received such a diverse range of ideas and innovative projects and it was a pleasure to see some of the great work that’s done within communities. I’m very much looking forward to again working with the successful organisations on their exciting projects.”

Last year, NGN offered grants to 11 different projects across the North of England ranging from the 2168 Yeadon Air Cadets, who explored created their own carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, to the Yorkshire Energy Doctor, which tackles fuel poverty and helps residents make their homes warmer and healthier.

Kate Urwin, from Yorkshire Energy Doctor, said: “Thanks to funding from the Community Promises Fund we have been raising awareness of the risks of CO amongst households in Bradford. So far we have provided training to over 100 members of staff from frontline organisations including Age UK, Horton Housing and a community nursing team. These staff come into contact with vulnerable people on a day-to-day basis so are in the best place to disseminate such important information within communities who in many cases were unaware of the dangers of CO poisoning.

LCF’s Chief Executive, Sally-Anne Greenfield, said: “We are delighted to again 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 19 October, with successful applicants receiving grants by the end of November. For more information on how to apply visit: www.leedscf.org.uk/northern-gas-networks-community-fund

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.