Australian fashion retailer Country Road will open applications for the second year of its Climate Fund.
The annual grant was launched in October 2022, with Country Road committing $1.5 million in funding for the program’s first three years.
The Country Road Climate Fund is targeted at grassroots projects that mitigate climate change via four key pillars: biodiversity, innovation, circularity and First Nations-led projects.
Country Road awarded grant support to three inaugural project finalists in July this year, including Mud to Marle by Full Circle Fibres, Unlocking Emissions Reductions in the Fashion Industry Supply Chain - a toolkit for farmers by Landcare Australia, and Working with Wool Growers to Protect Plains-wanderer Grassland Habitat by Trust for Nature.
“We were incredibly impressed by the high calibre of entries received for the first round of the Country Road Climate Fund,” Country Road brand sustainability manager Erika Martin said. “In particular, we were pleased to see projects with a clear climate outcome and link to the fashion value chain—from fibre farming to garment production.
“We look forward to supporting each project over the coming year, as they work towards meaningful solutions for the Australian fashion industry."
Pollination Group MD Dr Helen Crowley, who sits on the Climate Fund Assessment Committee, said the first round received 40 applications.
“The range of initiatives and innovations that are clearly underway to tackle the challenges across fashion supply chains is inspiring and exciting,” Dr Crowley said.
“The quantity and quality of projects also provided a clear ‘proof point’ for the need to continue to build investment and support in these solutions that will enable the fashion sector to be a driver of positive change for people and planet”
Applications for the Climate Fund are via the Country Road website. Applications open from Monday, October 9 until 11.59pm on November 30.