Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The Energia Group has launched the Drumlins Park Community Fund 2026 to support sustainable development in communities near its wind farm in County Monaghan. Grants focus on community sustainability, culture, heritage, social enterprise, energy efficiency, and environmental action, with funding ranging from €10,000 to €40,000 depending on organisation size.
Drumlins Park Community Fund 2026
The Energia Drumlins Park Community Fund is a community investment initiative aimed at ensuring local populations benefit from the wind farm’s operations, particularly in Newbliss, Drum, and Scotshouse. Administered in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, the fund supports social, cultural, and environmental development while fostering long-term sustainability.
Program Objectives
The fund prioritizes projects that:
- Strengthen community sustainability and capacity
- Improve childcare and community infrastructure, including playgrounds and shared spaces
- Support training programs, workshops, and events
- Preserve local culture and heritage
- Promote social enterprise and economic inclusion
- Enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability
- Encourage biodiversity and climate action initiatives
Funding
- Grant Amounts:
- Organisations with annual income below €50,000: up to €10,000
- Organisations with annual income above €50,000: up to €40,000
- Application Limit: One application per organisation
- Funding Duration: Continuous until 2039
- Use of Funds: Flexible within priority areas, supporting community-driven sustainable initiatives
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit organisations
- Voluntary groups
- Social enterprises with charitable objectives
Requirements:
- Operational for at least one year
- Have a formal organisational structure
- Maintain an organisational bank account
- Submit complete governance and organisational documentation
Assessment and Selection
- Applications are evaluated on individual merit
- Priority is given to projects aligned with sustainability, community, and local development goals
- Previous funding outcomes do not influence the decision
- Projects outside specified priority areas may also be considered if they address local needs
Who is Eligible?
- Local organisations operating within a 5km radius of Drumlins Park Wind Farm
- Groups that demonstrate capacity to implement and manage community projects
Why It Matters
The fund ensures that communities directly benefit from renewable energy infrastructure, promotes local capacity building, and encourages environmentally responsible development. It also aligns with Energia Group’s broader goal of supporting Ireland’s energy transition while fostering resilient and connected communities.
How to Apply
- Verify that your organisation meets eligibility criteria
- Prepare complete governance documents, including bank account details and proof of charitable objectives
- Develop a project proposal addressing community needs and priority areas
- Submit one application per organisation before the deadline
- Await evaluation and funding decision by the fund administrators
Tips for Applicants
- Focus on demonstrable local impact
- Clearly outline project sustainability and outcomes
- Highlight alignment with priority areas, but include flexibility for unique community needs
- Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Drumlins Park Community Fund?
Non-profits, voluntary groups, and social enterprises with charitable objectives operating near the wind farm.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to €10,000 for smaller organisations (<€50,000 annual income) and up to €40,000 for larger organisations (>€50,000 annual income).
3. Can an organisation submit multiple applications?
No, only one application per organisation is allowed.
4. Are projects outside the listed priority areas eligible?
Yes, if they address local community needs and demonstrate measurable impact.
5. How is funding assessed?
Applications are evaluated based on merit, project viability, community impact, and sustainability, not previous funding outcomes.
6. How long will the fund operate?
The fund will continue until 2039, supporting ongoing community development initiatives.
7. What documentation is required?
Applicants must provide proof of charitable objectives, governance documents, and a bank account for fund management.
Conclusion
The Drumlins Park Community Fund 2026 offers a strategic opportunity for local communities to strengthen social, cultural, and environmental initiatives. By funding projects that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and capacity building, the program fosters resilient communities and ensures that the benefits of renewable energy infrastructure are shared locally.
For more information, visit Community Foundation Ireland.
