EDF Energy Green Rigg Windfarm Community Fund (UK)

Deadline: 14-Sep-26

The EDF Energy Green Rigg Windfarm Community Fund provides grants to community and voluntary organisations and schools within a 10-mile radius of the Green Rigg Wind Farm in Northumberland. Funding supports charitable, educational, environmental, and community projects that create tangible and lasting benefits for local residents, with grants generally ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 and up to £9,000 available in exceptional circumstances.

About the EDF Energy Green Rigg Windfarm Community Fund

The fund is designed to ensure that communities located near the Green Rigg Wind Farm benefit from the presence of renewable energy infrastructure. It supports projects that improve local facilities, strengthen community life, and deliver long-term benefits to residents. The fund particularly encourages projects that improve: - Community buildings and facilities - Local environmental conditions - Biodiversity and habitats - Energy efficiency and conservation - Use of renewable energy - Educational and community resources Capital expenditure is generally prioritised, while applications for revenue or ongoing running costs may be considered only in exceptional circumstances. Funding Available Applicants can normally request grants between:

- Minimum grant: £1,000

- Standard maximum grant: £5,000

- Exceptional awards: Up to £9,000

The amount awarded will depend on the project’s needs, benefits to the local community, and available funding. Applicants should demonstrate that the proposed expenditure is reasonable and directly connected to the project. Geographic Eligibility The fund is available to organisations serving communities located within a 10-mile radius of the Green Rigg Wind Farm in Northumberland. Priority is given to projects and organisations located particularly close to the wind farm. Priority Areas Additional priority is given to communities within a 3-mile radius and to the following parishes: - Birtley - Corsenside - Kirkwhelpington - Bavington - Chollerton Projects from these areas may therefore be particularly well positioned when they demonstrate clear and lasting community benefit. What Projects Does the Fund Support? The fund supports charitable, educational, philanthropic, and benevolent activities that benefit local communities. Projects should provide a tangible and lasting benefit to residents. Examples of potentially suitable projects include: - Improvements to village halls and community buildings - Purchase of equipment for community facilities - Improvements to local amenities - Educational projects - Environmental conservation initiatives - Biodiversity and habitat projects - Energy conservation measures - Renewable energy-related improvements - Projects that improve community access and participation Capital Projects Are Prioritised The fund places particular emphasis on capital items and improvements. Capital projects may include the purchase of equipment, improvements to community buildings, or other physical investments that provide benefits over an extended period. Running costs and other revenue expenditure are generally less competitive and are considered only in exceptional circumstances. Applicants should therefore focus on the long-term value and sustainability of their proposed project. Environmental Projects Environmental sustainability is an important area of interest for the fund. Projects may be particularly relevant when they contribute to: - Biodiversity protection - Habitat conservation - Energy conservation - Renewable energy adoption - Sustainable use of community resources - Improvements to the local environment Applicants should clearly explain the environmental outcome their project will deliver and how local residents will benefit. Who Is Eligible? The fund is open to community and voluntary organisations and schools located within the eligible area.

Eligible applicants may include:

- Community organisations - Voluntary organisations - Local community groups - Schools - Other eligible organisations undertaking charitable or community-benefit activities Schools can apply where the proposed funding supports non-statutory purposes. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to communities within the fund’s geographical area. Who Is Not Eligible? Funding is not intended for activities that fall outside the fund’s charitable, educational, environmental, or community-benefit objectives. Schools should ensure that applications relate to non-statutory activities, rather than expenditure that the school is legally required to provide. Applicants should also demonstrate that the project directly benefits the eligible local community. Why It Matters Community facilities and voluntary organisations often require relatively small amounts of funding to make significant improvements. The Green Rigg Windfarm Community Fund can help local groups: - Improve community buildings. - Purchase essential equipment. - Make facilities more accessible and useful. - Deliver educational activities. - Protect local biodiversity. - Introduce energy-saving measures. - Support renewable energy initiatives. - Create lasting benefits for residents. The emphasis on lasting community benefit means that applicants should show how their project will continue to provide value after the grant has been spent. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a clear proposal that demonstrates the project’s local relevance and financial need.

Step 1: Check the Location

Confirm that the organisation and proposed project fall within the fund’s 10-mile eligibility area. If possible, identify whether the project is within the higher-priority 3-mile area or one of the named priority parishes.

Step 2: Define the Project

Explain exactly what the funding will pay for.

Describe:

- The problem or community need - The proposed solution - Who will benefit - Where the project will take place - Why the project is needed - The expected long-term benefits

Step 3: Prepare a Project Budget

Prov