Deadline: 23-Oct-2025
The Cloonty Community Benefit Fund is a local initiative established by Gaelectric, a wind energy and energy storage company committed to a sustainable future.
The fund aims to ensure that the wind farm provides significant economic benefits to the local community alongside environmental benefits. Managed by CGN Europe, the fund supports community-driven projects within a 6-kilometer radius of the Cloonty Wind Farm site. The geographic area includes regions bounded by the B17 Straid Road to the north, the B62 Ballybogey Road to the west, and B147 Kirk Road/Ballintea Road to the south and east.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for projects that align with the fund’s priorities. These include initiatives focused on skills development for young adults and the unemployed, intergenerational projects, tackling rural isolation, community arts, and improving the utilization of community spaces. The fund encourages applications that foster community cohesion and engagement, promote sustainability, and address local needs.
Eligible applicants must be community and voluntary groups located within the specified 6-kilometer radius. Organizations should be properly constituted, with a governing document and a bank account in the organization’s name. Projects must demonstrate clear benefits to the local community and align with the fund’s priorities. The application process is competitive, and all applications are assessed based on their merits and alignment with the fund’s objectives.
The Cloonty Community Benefit Fund is part of a broader effort to ensure that wind energy developments contribute positively to local communities. By supporting local initiatives, the fund aims to enhance the social and economic well-being of residents in the surrounding areas. This initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.
For more information, visit Community Foundation Northern Ireland.
