A webinar organised by the Citizen‑led Renovation initiative and the EU Covenant of Mayors examined how local communities can access funding to advance clean energy and renovation projects. Speakers noted that traditional financing models often limit progress, particularly for municipalities facing budget constraints and relying heavily on public grants.

The discussion highlighted citizen finance as an approach that links funding, participation, and ownership from the outset. Rather than acting as passive recipients, citizens can contribute directly to project development. Crowdfunding was presented as a tool that supports engagement and validation, especially for small‑ and medium‑scale initiatives.

Practical examples illustrated how citizen contributions can complement public funding. A Croatian school used crowdfunding to support energy efficiency measures and solar installations, while a kindergarten renovation combined public and citizen funding, resulting in strong community involvement.

View the full webinar for a more detailed overview of the discussion.