RWE Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Community Fund

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Please read the Essential Information before applying. 

Background Information:Following the extension of the Innogy Renewables UK Wind Farm on Hameldon Hill, a community investment fund has been set up to benefit local communities throughout the lifetime of the wind farm (up to 25 years).  The fund will support voluntary and community groups working on the following social priorities – children, young people and families, education and learning and the environment.  It particularly wants to encourage local people to take pride in their local area and create a sense of community spirit.

Who can apply? Voluntary and community groups who have a basic set of rules and a management committee, this includes registered charities, residents associations, uniformed organisations, PTAs etc.  The fund also wants to encourage informal groups of people to come together to carry out projects in the area for the benefit of all residents.  This group of people will need to nominate another charitable organisation who could manage the finances on their behalf.

Which areas are covered? The fund aims to benefit groups working in the Hapton with Park Ward and the Gawthorpe Ward, with priority given to groups from the Hapton with Park ward in the event of over subscription. Applicant groups should be based in these wards, or provide services that support people living in these areas. 

How much is available? The minimum amount you can apply for is £250.  Whilst there is no maximum amount specified, the total annual budget is approximately £12,000 and we want to fund as many groups as possible.

What sort of things will the fund cover?

• Environmental improvements
• Activities for children and young people
• Courses and training sessions
• Local community events
• Equipment and resources
• Social activities where there is real community benefit
• Projects that encourage a sense of pride in the local area
• Projects that help reduce social isolation

Special Criteria: The fund will give priority to projects that meet the social priorities mentioned above, which have been highlighted in our Lancashire Vital Signs report as being the issues of most concern to local residents. The panel will also consider projects that are addressing the impact of the COVID pandemic, provided they meet the broad focus of the fund.

NB. Applications can be submitted at any time - there is no formal closing date.

The following items cannot be supported via our funds:

• Public sector organisations or those controlled wholly or in part, e.g. local authority, primary care trust
• National organisations that cannot demonstrate local governance and control of local finances
• Commercial ventures
• Purchase/maintenance of vehicles
• Activities that will have already taken place before we offer you a grant
• Individuals
• Politically connected or exclusively religious activities
• Projects for personal profit
• Organisations that are set up for the benefit of animals or plants: environmental groups that work with animals or the environment (such as city farms) are acceptable
• Groups comprising just one family
• Statutory organisations or work that is their responsibility for example projects that take place during school time.
• Debts and other liabilities
• Reclaimable VAT
• Travel outside UK
• Gifts or projects exclusively for the purpose of entertaining – social events can be funded where there is a clear community benefit

This list is neither exclusive nor exhaustive; if you are unsure if elements of your project may be excluded please contact the Community Foundation for Lancashire on 0330 440 4900 or applications@cflm.org.uk

N.B.  If the fund is oversubscribed priority will be given to groups with a low annual turnover.

Click here to apply