Blackstone Edge Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund

How much can I apply for?

• grants will normally be in the region of £1000 – £5,000

What is the area of benefit?

The wind farm is situated in West Barnsley located at Blackstone Edge, the area of benefit is a 5km boundary of the wind farm site*.

• this includes Dunford, Gunthwaite & Ingbirchworth, Thurlstone, Penistone, Upper Denby and parts of Holmfirth. (you may be asked to provide evidence of the number of beneficiaries you serve and where they reside as part of the application process)
• projects outside the 5km boundary of the wind farm may also apply if the majority of the beneficiaries of the project/activity reside within the 5km area.

Click here to view a map detailing the area of benefit.

Who can apply?

• Constituted, community or voluntary organisations
• Registered Charities
• Local schools and colleges
• Parish Councils

N.B. It is unlikely that panel will consider an application from a group if they have had a grant in the last 12 months.

All of the above must be benefitting the residents of the defined Area of Benefit (you may be asked to provide evidence of the number of beneficiaries you serve and where they reside as part of the application process)

What are the priorities for the fund?

Projects and initiatives, with the following priorities:

• Advancement of education, culture or science
• Encouraging public participation in a sport involving physical skill and exertion
• The promotion of civic responsibility, volunteering, citizenship or community development
• Environmental protection or improvement Bio-diversity and habitat conservation;
• Energy conservation and sustainable transport options

Who and what cannot be funded?

• Town or Metropolitan Borough councils
• individuals
• the promotion of religious or political views
• to replace existing statutory provision (but such facilities could be enhanced e.g. Parks)
• against the interests of the developer or wind farm landowner(s) or anti-renewable energy/ wind farm activities
• retrospective funding – i.e. things or activities that either have already been paid for, or have already happened

You can also apply to the Blackstone Edge Wind Farm Low Carbon Community Fund – £100,000

Grants of £1,000 – £25,000 for projects or schemes that facilitate the use of energy-saving technologies in buildings used for community purposes within the area of benefit.

Examples Improvements to community buildings, i.e a new energy efficient boiler, insulation to help reduce the cost of bills, installing rainwater harvesting systems, energy saving bulb replacement schemes in community run buildings, swap shops.

Groups applying for this funding should be able to demonstrate how they meet the priorities. If planning permission is required this needs to be acquired before submitting a grant application. For larger grants you may be asked to provide additional information. See here for guidance.

How do I apply?

Please ensure that you have read all of the information above and are eligible for the available funding before going on to the application stage.

Please click here to apply to this fund. 

Please apply  by 31th March 2021 for your application to be considered by the next decision panel.

If you require any help with your application then please do not hesitate to get in touch with our grants team by following the contact information below.