Worthing Church Takes Stride Towards Carbon Neutrality with £10K Boost
St Matthew’s church in Worthing is a step closer to its carbon neutral target thanks to a £10K grant from the Rampion Community Benefit Fund.
The fund supports charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to fund projects benefiting local communities and supporting the environment.
St Matthew’s in Worthing, which supports local people struggling with poverty, hunger, loneliness and addiction, was awarded £10,000 towards a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) project to install 17 panels feeding two inverters, one for the church building and the other for the church hall.
Rev Paul Taylor, the vicar at St Matthew’s Church, said: “We are so grateful for the grant from the Rampion Community Fund that has enabled us to fit the new solar panels.
“This has supported our work as a community hub in the centre of Worthing, as well as our aspiration to fulfil the Church of England’s 2030 carbon neutral target.”
Run by the Sussex Community Foundation, the fund has benefited 187 projects in Sussex with more than £2 million in grants in the past seven years. Its 2023 report, published this week, shows £200,000 awarded to 27 projects last year.
“In both 2023 and in 2024, we are particularly pleased to be able to allocate £100,000 for capital projects, improving community and charity buildings with renewable energy solutions and energy conservation initiatives,” said Katie Scanlan, Rampion stakeholder and visitor centre manager.
“This focus ensures that charities and community groups can use more of their vital funds to directly support their local communities, whilst reducing their carbon impact.”
The Rampion Community Benefit Fund 2024 is now open for applications. More details at www.sussexgiving.org.uk/rampion. The deadline for the 2024 programme is April 26.