Funding Opportunities for Environmental Initiatives
Environmental action brings environmental, financial and reputational benefits, but securing funding can be challenging. These collaborative resources support screen sector organisations to develop and fund environmental initiatives, from renewable energy and electric vehicles to audience and community projects on biodiversity and waste reduction.
- A list of funding sources which exhibitors and screen heritage sector organisations across the UK may be eligible to apply for, developed with Film Hub North
- Case studies on sustainable capital projects in the screen sector
- Funding resources
Every organisation is different
This resource provides a listing of funding sources for environmental initiatives that exhibition and screen heritage sector organisations across the UK may be eligible to apply for.
It covers both funding for specific initiatives such as energy efficiency or electric vehicles, and broader funding — for example community projects and cultural facilities improvement — where there are opportunities to bring in environmental initiatives.
The information has been organised by geographical area (UK-wide, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England-wide and five English regions), and focuses primarily on public funding sources (e.g. councils, devolved nations, and UK-wide funding). It has been developed with smaller organisations in mind, and as a result focuses mainly on grant funding, and/or funding which isn’t too burdensome to apply for. Most do not require match funding, though there are some exceptions.
The information is up-to-date as of August 2024. Funding opportunities, however, are subject to change, and we recommend checking details on live web pages before preparing any application. In the spreadsheet, you will find instructions on how to submit new funding opportunities if you find them, and/or to let us know if listed opportunities are no longer available. The resource will be updated periodically.
This research was completed by Eleanor Atkinson, Masters in Television and Film (Research and Production) student at the University of Birmingham, through an internship with Film Hub North and the BFI.
Case Studies
These case studies look at what was funded and how, as well as the challenges and benefits.
Keswick Alhambra
The Keswick Alhambra is an independent, family owned heritage cinema with two screens. In 2021, the cinema underwent a refurbishment which included sustainable elements and improved energy efficiency. As part of this project, insulation was improved throughout the building and a ventilation with heat recovery system was installed, alongside a new boiler. In 2023, funding was acquired to support the installation of a large solar panel array with battery storage. The solar panels successfully generate a large amount of energy for the cinema and have supported a reduction in the overall emissions produced from the building’s energy demands.
Campbeltown Picturehouse
Campbeltown Picturehouse is an independent, community owned cinema with two screens. Between 2013 and 2017, Campbeltown Picturehouse underwent a large-scale renovation project to mark the centenary of the building. The refurbishment included the installation of a biomass boiler, solar panels, improved insulation and LED lighting throughout the building.
Funding resources
DIY Retrofit Guide for UK Film Exhibitors
This guide is for film exhibitors in the UK wanting to start their retrofit journey, who have limited resources and capacity for large capital works.
Read more
Demystifying Terms 101 – Exhibitors – Film Hub North
This glossary covers key sustainability terms which may be useful when developing and applying for funding for environmental initiatives.
Read moreBanner image: Markus Winkler via Unsplash