Apply Now: Energia Derrysallagh Community Fund (Ireland)

Deadline: 02-Oct-2026

The Energia Derrysallagh Community Fund provides grants for social, cultural, and environmental development projects in communities located near the Derrysallagh wind farm in Sligo. Managed by Community Foundation Ireland, the fund aims to ensure that the operation of the Derrysallagh wind farm delivers tangible benefits to nearby communities. Grants of up to €8,000 are available to eligible organisations supporting local initiatives that improve community wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and protect the local environment.

About the Energia Derrysallagh Community Fund

The Energia Derrysallagh Community Fund is designed to invest in the development of communities located near the Derrysallagh wind farm. The programme focuses on three broad areas: - Social development. - Cultural development. - Environmental development. The fund seeks to support projects that create meaningful benefits for local communities and reflect the needs of people living in the surrounding area. Funding Available Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to €8,000. Funding is intended to support local projects that align with the fund’s priority areas and provide tangible benefits to communities near the Derrysallagh wind farm. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget is appropriate for the scale and activities of the project. Community Engagement and Wellbeing Projects that promote community engagement and wellbeing are among the fund’s priorities. Initiatives can help bring people together, strengthen community participation, and improve quality of life within local communities. Applicants should explain how their project will contribute to positive community outcomes. Building a Shared Sense of Identity The fund also supports projects that foster a shared sense of identity. Local initiatives can help communities develop stronger connections and create opportunities for people to participate in activities that celebrate their shared community. Supporting Vulnerable Groups Priority is given to projects that support people experiencing particular forms of social vulnerability.

Relevant groups include:

- Older adults. - Lone parents. - People with disabilities. - People experiencing rural isolation. Projects should demonstrate how proposed activities will respond to the needs of these groups and create meaningful local benefits. Supporting Children, Young People and Families The fund also encourages initiatives benefiting: Projects can contribute to stronger communities by creating positive opportunities for these groups to participate in local social and community life. Supporting New and Traveller Communities Members of new or Traveller communities are also identified among the groups that projects can benefit. Initiatives that encourage participation, inclusion, and stronger community connections can align with this priority area. Environmental Projects The fund supports environmental initiatives alongside social and cultural development.

Environmental projects can focus on:

- Climate action. - Biodiversity. - Enhancing the local environment. - Clean and sustainable energy. Applicants should clearly explain the environmental benefits their proposed project is expected to deliver. Climate Action Projects supporting climate action are encouraged. Local organisations can use the funding to support initiatives that contribute to environmental sustainability and respond to climate-related challenges within the community. Biodiversity The fund also supports projects that contribute to biodiversity. Initiatives can seek to improve or protect the local natural environment and support biodiversity within communities near the Derrysallagh wind farm. Improving the Local Environment Projects designed to enhance the local environment are eligible areas of interest. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activities will create tangible environmental benefits for the surrounding community. Clean and Sustainable Energy The fund also encourages initiatives connected with clean and sustainable energy. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to the fund’s environmental development objectives. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must be organisations that meet the fund’s organisational requirements.

Applicants must be:

- Non-profit organisations. - Voluntary organisations. - Social enterprises with charitable aims. Applicants must also have a written constitution and have been operating for at least one year. Organisational Requirements

Eligible organisations must have:

- A written constitution. - At least one year of operational history. - An organisational bank account. - Up-to-date governance documents. These requirements help demonstrate that applicants have an established organisational structure and appropriate governance arrangements. Geographic Eligibility Projects must be located within 10km of the Derrysallagh wind farm. Priority is given to projects located within 5km of the wind farm. Applicants should confirm that their proposed project location meets the geographic requirements before applying. Projects Must Not Have Started Projects must not have commenced before the grant is awarded. Organisations should therefore ensure that their proposed activities have not already started when applying for funding. Who Is Not Eligible? Several categories of applicants and activities are excluded from the fund.

The following are not eligible:

- Statutory bodies. - Profit-making enterprises. - Organisations seeking religious advancement. - Organisations seeking political advancement. - Sporting organisations. - Animal welfare groups. - Individuals. Applicants should carefully review these exclusions before preparing an application. Supporting Local Communities The fund is designed specifically to ensure that communities near the Derrysallagh wind farm benefit from its operation. By supporting local social, cultural, and environmental initiatives, the programme provi