Call for Rathsherry Community Benefit Fund (United Kingdom)

The Rathsherry Community Benefit Fund, established by Energia Renewables, offers annual grants to support community projects near the Rathsherry Windfarm in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Designed to provide social and economic benefits alongside environmental advantages, the fund is open for applications until 3 December 2026, at 1:00 PM. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Energia Renewables through Community Foundation Northern Ireland

- Funding Type: Annual grants

- Funding Amount: £1,000 to £3,000 per project; partnership applications up to £9,000

- Eligible Applicants: Local community and voluntary groups within a 6-mile radius of the windfarm

- Eligible Locations: Areas surrounding Rathsherry Windfarm, Ballymena, Northern Ireland

- Deadline: 3 December 2026, 1:00 PM

- Project Duration: Not specified in the source

About the Opportunity

The Rathsherry Community Benefit Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for people living near the Rathsherry Windfarm. By allocating financial resources annually, the fund supports initiatives that deliver long-term social, cultural, and economic benefits to the local community, while promoting environmental sustainability. Funding and Benefits

- Grants Available: £1,000 to £3,000 for individual projects

- Partnership Projects: Up to £9,000, with each partner eligible for a maximum of £3,000

- Focus Areas: Energy efficiency, social and cultural enhancement, educational projects with a sustainability focus, and environmental and economic benefits Who Is Eligible?

- Eligible Entities: Constituted voluntary organizations and community groups, including local youth groups

- Geographic Requirement: Applicants must be within a 6-mile straight-line radius from the windfarm at 115 Longmore Road, Broughshane, Ballymena, BT43 7HR

- Exclusions: Individuals, statutory organizations, activities promoting religion or politics, and various other specified exclusions

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

- Supported Themes:

- Energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives - Social, cultural, or sporting community benefits - Educational projects with sustainability aspects - Environmental and economic improvements

- Priority Areas:

- Enhancing existing community spaces - Supporting services for older people, youth, children, and those with disabilities - Projects fostering community collaboration Why This Opportunity Matters This fund is crucial for fostering community-driven projects that align with the social and environmental goals of the Rathsherry Windfarm. It encourages collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, directly benefitting local residents by addressing key community issues. How to Apply

- Prepare Required Documents: Ensure you have a governing document, current bank account details, and up-to-date annual accounts.

- Access Fundseeker Portal: Submit your application through the Community Foundation’s Fundseeker Portal.

- Read Guidance: Review the ‘How to Apply’ guide on the portal if applying for the first time.

- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by 1:00 PM on 3 December 2026.

For more information, contact the grants team at applications@communityfoundationni.org or call 028 9024 5927. Next Steps Eligible applicants should review the official guidelines and submit their applications through the Fundseeker Portal before the deadline. For questions or assistance, reach out to the Community Foundation Northern Ireland’s grants team.