Foundation

Foundation was launched in 2009 as an innovative climate fund for the North West. Foundation provides funding to not-for-profit organisations to invest in local carbon reduction projects. Examples to date include upgrades of inefficient boiler systems for members of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Credit Union, wood-burning stoves for homes in Trafford and solar panels on community buildings - village halls and schools - across the region.

Foundation received initial investment from the North West Development Agency and now takes donations from organisations and individuals who wish to compensate for their unavoidable carbon emissions. This is how the organisation generates resources to invest at the local level.

Mark Turner, chief officer, said: "Foundation is unique to the North West: all resources generated in the region are invested back into North West community projects."

Since its launch in April 2009 Foundation has invested over £380,000 and supported 15 community initiatives.

"We are already on target to save 5,767 tonnes of CO2," continued Turner. "That's the equivalent of heating over 1,600 homes for a year or powering Blackpool illuminations for 25 years.

"We aim to have hit a fund-raising target of £3m by 2012, all of which we will have distributed into Northwest carbon reduction schemes, which would put us on track to save over 50,000 tonnes of CO2 and make a significant contribution to tackling climate change in the Northwest."

Organisations that are already donating to Foundation include United Utilities, Brother UK & HIS.

• If you want to find out more about the fund, get involved with donations or understand how to access the funding contact David Marnell, Business Development Manager on 0161 234 6104 or email david.marnell@climatefund.org.uk