Could Your Community Benefit from Wind Farm Funding?

Every year, thousands of pounds are made available to communities across the East Riding through Wind Farm Community Funds—yet many voluntary and community organisations don't realise they may be eligible to apply.

At this month's VCSE Network meeting, Emma-Jane Snowden, Local Growth Manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, highlighted the range of funding opportunities available to community groups, charities and voluntary organisations.

What are Wind Farm Community Funds?

Many wind farms provide community benefit funding to support projects in the areas surrounding their developments. These funds are designed to invest back into local communities by supporting projects that improve people's quality of life.

Funding can often be used for a wide variety of community projects, including:

• Improving community buildings and facilities
• Health and wellbeing activities
• Community events and engagement
• Environmental projects
• Energy efficiency improvements
• Volunteering and skills development
• Equipment purchases
• Organisational development and capacity building

Whether you're planning to refurbish a village hall, launch a new community project or purchase equipment to expand your services, there may be funding available.

Does location matter?

Yes.

Unlike many grant programmes, Wind Farm Community Funds are usually linked to a specific geographical Area of Benefit. This means eligibility depends on where your organisation or project is based.

Across the East Riding there are several different funds supporting different communities, including:

• Burton Pidsea Wind Farm Community Fund
• Goole Fields Wind Farm Community Fund
• Lissett Wind Farm Community Fund
• Routh Wind Farm Community Fund
• Sancton Hill Wind Farm Community Fund
• Spaldington Airfield Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund
• Tedder Hill Wind Farm Community Fund
• Twin Rivers Wind Farm Community Fund
• Withernwick Wind Farm Community Fund

Each fund has its own priorities, eligibility criteria and application process.

Check Your Area

One of the most useful resources shared during the VCSE Network meeting was the Community Funds – Areas of Benefit Map, which allows organisations to quickly identify whether they fall within an eligible funding area.

Before spending time preparing an application, it's well worth checking the map to see which funds may be available to your organisation.

Don't Assume You Won't Qualify

Many organisations assume these funds are only for parish councils or large capital projects.

In reality, many Wind Farm Community Funds support charities, voluntary organisations and community groups delivering projects that improve local wellbeing, reduce isolation, strengthen communities and create opportunities for local people.

If you're considering a new project but funding has been a barrier, it could be worth exploring what's available.

Apply for East Riding Wind Farm Community Funding (Flexi-Grant):

Flexi-Grant Application Portal

This is the online system applicants use to submit applications for the various Wind Farm Community Funds administered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Depending on the fund, applicants can choose the appropriate form (for example, small grants, up to £10,000, or over £10,000).

Or email ruralfunding@eastriding.gov.uk if you are unsure if your project is eligible or which fund you should apply for.