Charitable community groups and individuals in the Borders are being encouraged to apply for financial support from a wind farm supported community benefit fund.
The Beck Burn Wind Farm Community Fund and Beck Burn Wind Farm Community Fund Educational Bursaries were established by EDF Energy Renewables in 2017. The company donates £155,250 each year into the funds, which are managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.
Projects and individuals in the Cumbrian communities of Rockcliffe, Westlinton, Arthuret and Kirkandrews-on-Esk are eligible to apply for funding.
At a recent grants panel, eight people were awarded a share of £7540 to support education and training to help them develop their skills and employability.
Three community grants were awarded to improve a community play area, provide gardening equipment at a primary school and install three community defibrillators.
In recent years, Springfield & Gretna Green Community Asset Trust have used funding from the grants to improve the facilities available at Springfield Playing Field.
The group received £8000 to install new play equipment, including trampolines, a roundabout, a basket swing and an accessible gate.
Mike Phillips, chairperson at Springfield & Gretna Green Community Asset Trust, said: “We are delighted to have received this grant which will allow us to continue our work in developing the playing field to benefit all age groups within our community.”
The fund is intended to support a wide range of activities with awards to community and voluntary organisations and projects which are community based or community led.
Activities can include supporting biodiversity and habitat conservation, energy efficiency and sustainability, sports and recreation, health and wellbeing, children, young people and older people, culture and heritage.
Lisa Blackwell, grants and programmes officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “This fund provides a valuable, long-term, sustainable and reliable source of income for the local communities. Since the funds were established, £895,000 has been invested into the community. The support from EDF Energy Renewables provides assistance to groups in the area that are helping to meet the priority needs of their community.
“It is flexible funding that can address what is really important to communities and we’re delighted to administer this funding which has been making a difference to the communities.”
The deadline for the next round of applications is June 17.
For more information or to apply visit www.cumbriafoundation.org or call Lisa Blackwell, grants officer on 01900 820827 or email Lisa@cumbriafoundation.org
