Open Call: Achlachan Wind Farm Community Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 15-Dec-2026

The Achlachan Wind Farm Community Fund offers grants of up to £10,000 per project to support charitable activities and community development projects benefiting communities within the Halkirk & District Community Council area in Highland, Scotland. Established in 2019 and supported by Whirlwind Renewables, the fund is administered by Foundation Scotland and expects to distribute approximately £30,000 each year throughout the anticipated 25-year lifespan of the Achlachan Wind Farm. The Achlachan Wind Farm Community Fund was established to provide long-term financial support for community activities and development projects in the area surrounding the wind farm.

The fund is:

The fund enables local organisations to deliver activities that respond to community needs, strengthen local services, and contribute to community development. The fund provides grants of up to £10,000 per project.

Key funding details include:

Applicants should ensure that each proposed project demonstrates a clear need and meaningful benefit for the eligible community. The primary geographic area for the fund is the Halkirk & District Community Council area in Highland, Scotland. Particular focus is given to projects located within a four-kilometre radius of the Achlachan Wind Farm. Organisations located outside the eligible area can also apply when they can demonstrate a clear and direct benefit to residents within the Halkirk Community Council area. Eligible applicants include groups and organisations working to benefit people living in communities within the Halkirk Community Council area. Applicants can be eligible regardless of charitable status, provided they meet Foundation Scotland’s standard eligibility criteria.

Eligible organisations may include:

The proposed project must benefit people within the eligible community area. The fund prioritises projects that contribute to community development and address local needs and priorities.

Priority is given to projects that:

Projects should clearly explain how their activities will create a positive and lasting benefit for local residents. Yes. A project does not necessarily have to fit exactly within the listed priority outcomes to be considered. Applications may still receive consideration when they demonstrate: Applicants should provide evidence explaining why the proposed project is important and how it responds to local priorities. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate that their projects have been informed by the local community.

Evidence may include:

Demonstrating genuine community involvement can help show that the project addresses an identified local need. Applicants are encouraged to explore matched funding opportunities when developing their project budgets. They should also consider local procurement, where practical, to help retain economic benefits within the community. Applicants can consider using local suppliers, contractors, businesses, and service providers when purchasing goods or services for the project. The fund encourages applicants to consider the environmental impact of their proposed activities. Projects should consider practical ways to: Applicants should explain relevant sustainability measures as part of their project planning. The fund does not support certain activities and costs. Ineligible applications or expenditure include: Applicants should ensure that funding is requested for planned eligible activities rather than costs that have already been incurred. Applicants should clearly connect their project with a specific local need and demonstrate how the activity will benefit residents in the eligible area.

Before applying, applicants should:

The Achlachan Wind Farm Community Fund provides grants for charitable activities and community development projects that benefit communities within the Halkirk & District Community Council area in Highland, Scotland. The fund provides grants of up to £10,000 per project and expects to distribute approximately £30,000 annually. The fund is administered by Foundation Scotland and supported by Whirlwind Renewables. The fund is expected to distribute funding throughout the anticipated 25-year lifespan of the Achlachan Wind Farm. Projects should benefit communities within the Halkirk & District Community Council area. Particular focus is given to projects located within a four-kilometre radius of the wind farm. Yes. Organisations based outside the area may apply if they can demonstrate a clear benefit to residents within the eligible community area. No. Groups and organisations do not necessarily need charitable status, provided they meet Foundation Scotland’s standard eligibility requirements. Yes. Multiple applications and grants may be permitted within a year, subject to monitoring requirements relating to previous awards. Priority is given to projects that improve services and facilities, sustain or create employment, increase skills and knowledge, preserve culture and heritage, enhance the environment, or improve connectivity and mobility. Yes. Projects may still be considered if they demonstrate strong community support and clear evidence of local need. No. Applications from individuals are not eligible. No. General fundraising appeals are excluded. No. The fund does not support retrospective costs. Yes. Applicants are encouraged to explore matched funding opportunities. Yes. Applicants are encouraged to consider local procurement when purchasing goods and services for their projects. Yes. Applicants are encouraged to minimise environmental impacts and reduce the carbon footprint of their projects. The Achlachan Wind Farm Community Fund provides up to £10,000 per project to support community development and charitable activities in the Halkirk & District Community Council area. With approximately £30,000 expected to be distributed annually, the fund offers long-term support for local services, employment, skills, culture, heritage, environmental improvements, connecti