Deadline: 11-Mar-2026
The An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund provides grants to support projects that enhance local communities in Glenorchy, Innishail (Eredine), Inveraray, Furnace, and Dalavich. Funding is available for equipment, community facility improvements, staff costs, and charitable activities, with grants ranging from small micro-grants up to £9,000 or more for exceptional projects. Applicants do not need to be registered charities, and projects must demonstrate benefits for residents within the fund area.
Overview
The An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund is designed to enhance quality of life, promote community engagement, and support sustainable local initiatives. The fund targets projects that benefit residents in the following areas: Glenorchy and Innishail (Eredine only), Inveraray, Furnace, Dalavich (via the Dalavich Improvement Group). The fund prioritizes projects that strengthen community spirit, encourage participation, and create long-term benefits.
What the Fund Supports
The Community Fund provides financial assistance for a wide range of activities and costs, including purchase of equipment for local groups or facilities, running costs of community initiatives, payment for staff or sessional workers, consultations or community planning, and maintenance, refurbishment, or improvement of community facilities. Grant amounts: Standard grants up to £9,000, Exceptional grants above £9,000 for projects with wide community impact, long-term benefits, or significant support for disadvantaged residents. Applicants requesting more than £9,000 are encouraged to contact the Fund Adviser before applying to discuss their project.
Micro-Grants Scheme
In addition to standard grants, the fund offers micro-grants of up to £300 for smaller projects or charitable activities. Administered by local community councils and the Dalavich Improvement Group. Targeted at individuals or groups benefiting any of the four communities. Applicants should contact the respective council or group directly for guidance and application details.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include community groups and organizations benefiting residents within the fund area. Non-registered charities are eligible. Organizations outside the fund area may be considered if they can demonstrate direct benefits to eligible communities. Groups can apply for more than one grant per year. Projects must clearly show benefits for residents in the targeted areas.
Why the Fund Matters
The fund plays a critical role in strengthening local community engagement, supporting sustainable and long-lasting projects, enhancing quality of life for residents, and encouraging collaboration and shared community resources. By funding a variety of projects, the fund ensures that both small initiatives and larger, high-impact projects can thrive.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit a successful application: 1. Identify your project need: Determine how your project will benefit residents. 2. Check eligibility: Ensure your group or organization meets the criteria. 3. Decide grant type: Standard grant (up to £9,000 or more for exceptional projects) or micro-grant (up to £300). 4. Contact the appropriate body: Standard grants – contact the Fund Adviser, especially for requests above £9,000; Micro-grants – contact your local community council or Dalavich Improvement Group. 5. Complete the application: Provide details of your project, costs, and expected community impact. 6. Submit the application: Follow the instructions from the Fund Adviser or council. Tips for a strong application: Clearly demonstrate benefits for residents, include detailed budget and cost breakdown, highlight long-term or widespread impact, and contact the Fund Adviser if your grant request exceeds standard limits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting incomplete applications, not demonstrating clear benefits for the eligible communities, ignoring the requirement to discuss exceptional grants with the Fund Adviser, assuming micro-grants are for large-scale projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can non-registered charities apply? Yes, charity registration is not required for eligibility.
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Are organizations outside the fund area eligible? Possibly, if they can show direct benefits for residents within the eligible communities.
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How much can I apply for? Standard grants: up to £9,000 (or higher for exceptional projects); Micro-grants: up to £300.
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Can a group apply for more than one grant per year? Yes, multiple applications are allowed as long as each project meets eligibility criteria.
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Who should I contact for micro-grants? Contact the local community council or Dalavich Improvement Group for guidance.
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Do I need to demonstrate long-term impact? For larger grants, yes. Projects showing lasting benefits for multiple residents or disadvantaged groups are prioritized.
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Can equipment or facility maintenance be funded? Yes, the fund supports equipment purchases, refurbishment, and maintenance of community facilities.
Conclusion
The An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund provides a structured opportunity to improve local communities, support charitable initiatives, and enhance residents’ quality of life. Whether through micro-grants or larger funding, the fund is accessible to a wide range of applicants, emphasizing impact, sustainability, and community benefit. Proper planning, clear demonstration of community value, and following application guidelines are key to securing funding.
For more information, visit Foundation Scotland.
