Community Benefit Funds
We work with the utilities sector, including wind energy companies, and the property and construction sector, who make a commitment to put money into a fund which is then made available to community groups. This is known as a Community Benefit Fund.
For example, following the extension of the RWE Wind Farm on Hameldon Hill, a community investment fund (Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Community Fund) was set up to benefit local communities throughout the lifetime of the wind farm (up to 25 years). The fund supports voluntary and community groups, working in the Hapton with Park and Gawthorpe wards of Burnley, which focus on community cohesion, young people and families, promoting education and learning, and the environment.
“RWE is proud to support the communities that neighbour our wind farms through our community funds. It’s great to see the variety of groups and activities that have already benefitted from the fund, which will be available throughout the wind farm’s operational life of up to 25 years.”
Kathryn Harries, Community Investment Manager
By setting up a Community Benefit Fund your local community could benefit from a one-off gift, or a recurring annual donation linked, for example, to a renewable energy project. We understand it’s essential to plan the best use of that money and the best way to manage your funds.
We work flexibly alongside all stakeholders to make sure it meets local priorities.
We can help at any stage of setting up or managing a community fund:
- Designing a community fund
- Independent consultation with the community
- Preparing a fund strategy based on local priorities
- Putting in place and supporting effective governance. For example, setting up and running community panels or supporting company boards.
- Distributing funds (including open grantmaking and alternatives)
- Tracking impact
- Reviewing a fund to ensure it stays relevant
To find out how we can work together, contact:
Karen Morris
Deputy CEO and Development Director
07973 409858
karen.morris@cflm.org.uk
Our Impact
Who we work with
Your support matters and we thank each and every one of you. Together we can make a difference.
