Two Bristol-based organisations have joined forces to raise vital funds to support community climate action over the next week.
This collaboration between the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and clean energy investment company Thrive Renewables is part of the Big Give’s Green Match Fund, a week-long campaign during which every donation is doubled. 
CSE is rallying support across Bristol to raise £10,000 to enable more communities to implement bespoke climate action plans, with match funding pledged by Thrive Renewables.
CSE has been working with Bristol community groups for 40 years, helping plan and take steps to reduce the environmental impact of their area, such as improving the energy efficiency of buildings, promoting low-carbon transport and setting up community enterprises for renewable energy projects.
CSE senior project manager Harriet Sansom said: “Community climate action is so effective because it lets us create solutions that fit each local area’s unique needs and resources.
“When we put local people at the heart of climate initiatives, we earn their support and buy-in for change.
“And by building on what already exists in the community, we can make those changes even more impactful.
“At the end of the day, the people who live in these communities know them best, so they’re essential for driving real, lasting progress.”
The fundraising campaign gives individuals and businesses a chance to contribute directly to community-led solutions that are making a tangible difference.
Bristol businesses and individuals are being invited to donate whatever they can until 25 April. Every pound donated will be matched.
To donate, head to Big Give’s Green Match Fund
Thrive Renewables,has pledged a match funding pot of £5,000 to support CSE’s campaign.
Thrive Renewables head of external affairs Louise Daniels said: “As a longstanding supporter, Thrive Renewables is absolutely delighted to provide match funding for CSE.
“We are very keen to see more communities being given the tools and resources they need to make a difference in their area.
“By working together, we can reduce carbon emissions locally which will ultimately help tackle the climate emergency globally.”
As well as providing one-to-one support to community groups, CSE creates tools and resources that support local action, such as the Community Carbon Calculator, that lets individuals explore the carbon footprint of their neighbourhood.
