11th March 2026
A council review into two environmental grant schemes designed to support local community projects will be considered by senior councillors at Stockport Council’s Cabinet meeting on 17 March.
The report focuses on the operation of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Seed Fund and CAN Catalyst Fund, which provide financial support for projects aimed at tackling climate change and improving local neighbourhoods.
What Are the CAN Funds?
The funds are part of the council’s wider Climate Action Now programme, which aims to support residents, voluntary groups and organisations to reduce carbon emissions and improve the local environment.
Two types of funding have been available:
CAN Seed Fund – smaller grants designed to help community groups test new ideas or pilot environmental projects. These grants help organisations get projects started before seeking larger funding.
CAN Catalyst Fund – slightly larger grants intended to help scale up projects that already have some evidence of success, allowing them to reach more people or have a greater environmental impact.
Examples of the kinds of projects funded through similar schemes include community gardens, waste-reduction initiatives, biodiversity projects and local sustainability programmes.
The council’s climate-related funding programmes often support community-led initiatives aimed at reducing waste, improving biodiversity and promoting sustainable living.
Why the Review Was Carried Out
The scrutiny review was launched in 2025 to examine how effectively the funds have been operating and whether they deliver value for money.
Councillors on the review panel looked at several key issues, including:
- How funding decisions were made
- Whether the application process was clear and accessible
- The level of public awareness about the grants
- Whether funded projects created lasting benefits
The panel also explored how the funds fit alongside other sources of environmental or community funding available in Stockport.
Improving Future Funding Rounds
A major aim of the review is to develop recommendations for improving future versions of the CAN funds.
Among the questions raised were how to ensure projects leave a lasting legacy and how to improve communication so more community groups know about the funding opportunities.
Councillors also examined whether better coordination with other grant schemes could help maximise the impact of the funding.
What Happens Next
The Cabinet will consider the review’s findings and recommendations when it meets next week.
If adopted, the proposals could shape how future climate-related funding programmes are run in Stockport and how community organisations access financial support.
For neighbourhoods such as Romiley, these grants could play a role in supporting local environmental projects and grassroots initiatives aimed at improving the local area.
