NINETY grass roots organisations and groups will attend a conference today to learn how to combat climate change by leading a greener lifestyle.

The Community Foundation, serving Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, has organised the Local Actions for Global Issues event at the Centre for Life in Newcastle to inspire voluntary and community groups.

Workshops will encourage groups to focus on the environment, offering ideas and practical help on how to lessen the environmental impact of what they do.

Ian Gregg, chairman of the National Association of Rivers Trusts and previously chairman of Greggs plc, will tell the conference that only 5% of charitable funding goes to environmental projects.

The Local Action for Global Issues fund was started by the Community Foundation three years ago to increase this share.

The conference will also be a celebration of projects supported by the Community Foundation in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.

The conference is sponsored by eaga plc, whose chief executive John Clough said: “Climate change is simply the biggest challenge we face today. Government and large organisations obviously have their part to play, but action at a local level is equally important.”

The event will also be used to introduce the new eaga Community Fund, worth £150,000, launched to offer financial help to community groups involved in environmental projects.

Sandra King, development director at the Community Foundation, said: “This is all about showing how protecting the environment can be simple, and why saving the planet is not just the preserve of green groups – we can all do our bit to help.

“Having been inspired into action by the workshops, participants will be able to speak to funding bodies who are keen to fund environmental projects – so the day is a one stop shop for ideas and fundraising.”

Since its launch almost a year ago, the Local Action on Global Issues Fund has awarded grants totalling £212,626 to 16 organisations.

The fund supports good quality projects which have a positive impact on the environment, educate people about environmental issues and demonstrate how local action can contribute to tackling global issues.

Examples of projects funded to date include:

Wansbeck Community Empowerment Network – £14,535 to deliver support and training for local groups who wish to take measures to reduce their carbon footprint.

Community Environmental Educational Developments – £20,000 to work with local groups to deliver environmental improvements in Sunderland.

Tarset 2050 – £5,290 to carry out a carbon footprint exercise in Tarset, Northumberland, and explore the use of renewable technologies.

Pennywell Youth Project – £12,040 to work with young people to develop an area of neglected land in Sunderland and raise awareness of conservation and climate change issues.

National Energy Action – £18,140 to install a renewable energy system in an old community building in Powburn, Northumberland.