Climate Engagement Fund

Assessing your application

Application process 

When we receive your application, we will: 

• check it meets the basic eligibility requirements (incomplete applications or those not meeting eligibility requirements will not be considered further) 
• if eligible, assess it against a consistent scoring framework, with equal weighting given to all sections (assessment conducted by a Scottish Government panel) 

We will undertake a robust assessment process to ensure all applications are scored fairly and consistently.  

Final selection 

Our final decision on successful projects will consider both: 

• your application score 
• how your project contributes to the Climate Engagement Fund’s overall strategy

This approach ensures we support a diverse mix of projects that vary in size, scope, target audience and geographic location. 

Key criteria 

Projects will be evaluated against: 

1. Audience engagement  

• using innovative or varied approaches – we expect projects to demonstrate novelty in the proposed activities, target audience(s) and/or engagement methods, drawing on evidence about effective climate change engagement 
• designing engagement methods suited to specific audiences 

2. Building understanding 

• showing how the project helps audiences connect climate change to their lives 
• examples: home heating, travel, adaptation, circular economy 

3. Alignment with our Public engagement strategy for Climate Change 

• demonstrating understanding of the strategy 
• addressing its objectives and principles 

Additional assessment criteria

• accessibility and inclusivity measures 
• additionality beyond existing activities – this means activities should only be possible with Climate Engagement Fund support, and we do not expect organisations to already be doing the proposed activity as a core part of their current operations 
• adaptability during delivery period

Intended outcomes 

• increased climate literacy 
• greater understanding of of the action that all of Scotland is taking to tackle, and adapt to, climate change and how it relates to people’s lives - for example, in regard to how we heat our homes, travel, and/or deliver a circular economy. 
• wider participation through innovative approaches – bringing new communities and individuals into the conversation

Value for money 

We want to fund projects that: 

• deliver fund aims with excellent value for money 
• balance outcomes, impact and scale with evidence and resources 

Assessment considers if activities are: 

• desirable and credible 
• appropriately costed 
• best delivered by your organisation 

Funding will only be allocated to projects meeting value for money standards. 

All elements of the assessment criteria will inform an overall value for money assessment, considering: 

• expected project impact 
• methods employed 
• approach to resource utilisation

Experience of delivering related work 

We’re looking for evidence that your organisation: 

• understands effective public engagement principles 
• comprehends what your proposed activities require 
• can identify and manage associated risks 

This could include: 

• previous delivery of government grant-funded work 
• experience of recruiting participants 
• history of working with your target audience 
• existing relationships with partners or communities 

We welcome 'new to climate action' organisations. You don't need experience of delivering the exact proposed activities, but you should: 

• show experience of doing similar work 
• explain how you'll address any expertise gaps to support your project 

Successful applications may need to provide further information before receiving a formal grant offer. 

For examples of previously funded projects, see the sections: approved projects.