Details

The Renewable Energy Fund is set up and administered by East Ayrshire Council to distribute community benefit contributions from wind farm developments within East Ayrshire.

Annual community benefit payments are currently received from the following wind farms:

• Whitelee
• Whitelee Extensions
• Hare Hill Extensions
• Galawhistle
• Afton
• Sneddon's Law

As projects should provide a lasting community legacy, the fund's main focus is on supporting capital projects. Supported areas include community renewable energy projects, environmental projects, environmental education projects for schools, community led service provision, feasibility studies and business plans, community based social enterprises, employability and training programmes, community led sports and leisure, income generating projects, health and wellbeing projects, and advertised community run events that bring visitors to the area. The availability of funds varies depending on the location of the project.

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: East Ayrshire

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant

Type of cost:

Capital, Revenue

Fund award sizes

Minimum:

Premium information

Who can apply

Applications are welcomed from properly constituted voluntary and community organisations, including community councils, Community Led Action Plan steering groups, trusts and local grassroots organisations with charitable status, where the project can demonstrate wider community benefit to people within the eligible area. Social economy or social enterprise projects may also apply, including those that are companies limited by guarantee and/or have charitable status, where profits are reinvested in the project to create wider grassroots community benefit.

When to apply

The fund runs on an annual cycle with two closing dates each year: one at the end of January, with decisions in May or June, and one at the end of May, with decisions in September. Submission dates may vary depending on project location, so applicants should check the Settlement Eligibility Summary for their area. Applications received after a closing date will not be considered until the next scheduled meeting.

Next deadline: 31 Jan 2027

How to apply

Applicants with a project they believe meets the fund's criteria should first contact the Council's Democratic Services team. Applicants should read the fund's guidance notes and the Settlement Eligibility Summary, available on the Council's website, together with the grant application form, letter of representation and guide to grants. Applications for larger new capital projects must include a business plan and cashflow statement. Incomplete applications, or those missing core documents, may be returned and delayed.

Contact information

Activites funded: Arts and culture Befriending and mentoring Citizenship and community involvement Community development and regeneration Community facilities Community safety Transport Education and training Employability services Environment Health care and wellbeing Sport and physical activity Recreation and social activities Social care and welfare Energy

Beneficiaries funded: Local communities

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Last reviewed 2 days ago