Deadline: 19-May-2026
The Rampion Community Benefit Fund, managed by the Sussex Community Foundation and established by Rampion Offshore Wind Ltd, provides grants to support energy resilience and environmental sustainability across parts of Sussex.
The fund offers up to £10,000 for community projects and up to £20,000 for capital improvements focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel poverty reduction, and environmental conservation.
Programme Overview
The Rampion Community Benefit Fund supports local charities and community organisations working to address energy challenges and climate change impacts.
It focuses on helping communities:
- Reduce energy costs and fuel poverty
- Improve energy efficiency
- Transition to renewable energy
- Protect and enhance the environment
Geographic Coverage
The fund supports projects within a defined area of Sussex:
- West boundary: Littlehampton Harbour
- East boundary: Beachy Head
- Northern boundary: Up to the A272 near Twineham
This area is linked to the offshore wind farm and its onshore infrastructure.
Key Funding Priorities
Fuel Poverty and Energy Support
- Help households manage rising fuel costs
- Reduce energy hardship in vulnerable communities
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Improve insulation and energy use in buildings
- Promote reduced energy consumption
Renewable Energy Development
- Solar, wind, or other renewable installations
- Community building energy upgrades
Energy Audits and Planning
- Support assessments for energy-saving improvements
- Develop long-term energy strategies
Environmental Protection
- Marine ecology conservation
- Nature and biodiversity protection
- Climate change mitigation initiatives
Funding Details
Community Projects
- Up to £10,000
- For local initiatives addressing energy or environmental challenges
Capital Projects
- Up to £20,000
- For infrastructure improvements such as:
- Renewable energy systems
- Energy-efficient upgrades to community buildings
Key Concepts Explained
What is a Community Benefit Fund?
A funding scheme where infrastructure projects (like offshore wind farms) reinvest into nearby communities to:
- Support local development
- Improve environmental outcomes
- Address social challenges
What is Fuel Poverty?
A condition where households struggle to afford:
- Heating
- Electricity
- Basic energy needs
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
- Registered charities
- Community groups
- Not-for-profit organisations
Organisational Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A dedicated bank account
- Governing document (constitution or similar)
- Financial records or accounts
- Key policies including:
- Safeguarding
- Equal opportunities
- Health and safety
Ineligible Projects
The fund does NOT support:
- Projects harming wildlife or natural habitats
- General beautification competitions
- Events without environmental focus
- Highway or road improvement projects
- Non-electric vehicle purchases or operations
- Religious or political promotion
- Statutory responsibilities of local authorities
- School-only projects without wider community access
- Organisations not benefiting Sussex communities
- Discriminatory organisations
How It Works / What to Do
Step 1: Identify a Relevant Need
Choose focus areas such as:
- Energy poverty reduction
- Renewable energy installation
- Environmental conservation
Step 2: Design the Project
Define:
- Objectives
- Target beneficiaries
- Environmental or energy outcomes
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Ensure:
- Organisation meets governance requirements
- Project benefits eligible Sussex area
Step 4: Prepare Application
Include:
- Budget breakdown
- Project plan
- Expected impact
Step 5: Submit Proposal
Clearly show alignment with:
- Energy resilience
- Sustainability goals
- Community benefit
Why This Fund Matters
- Reduces fuel poverty in vulnerable communities
- Supports transition to clean energy systems
- Improves energy efficiency in public buildings
- Strengthens local climate resilience
- Encourages community-led environmental action
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects outside eligible Sussex area
- Weak link to energy or sustainability outcomes
- Missing required governance documents
- Proposing non-eligible activities (events, beautification only)
- Lack of measurable environmental impact
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on clear energy or carbon reduction impact
- Include measurable outcomes (e.g., energy saved, emissions reduced)
- Show strong community benefit
- Align with fuel poverty or renewable energy priorities
- Provide detailed technical and financial planning
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum grant available?
Up to £10,000 for community projects and £20,000 for capital projects.
2. Who manages the fund?
The fund is managed by the Sussex Community Foundation.
3. Who established the fund?
It was established by Rampion Offshore Wind Ltd.
4. Where can projects be located?
Within a defined area of Sussex.
5. What types of projects are funded?
Energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel poverty reduction, and environmental conservation projects.
6. Can schools apply?
Only if projects are accessible to the wider community outside school hours.
7. Are commercial projects eligible?
No, the fund is limited to charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Conclusion
The Rampion Community Benefit Fund provides vital financial support for communities in Sussex to tackle energy challenges and environmental issues.
By funding renewable energy, fuel poverty reduction, and conservation projects, it helps build more resilient, sustainable, and energy-efficient communities across the region.
For more information, visit Sussex Community Foundation.
