Deadline: 01-May-2026
The Burton Wold Community Wind Farm Fund provides grants to support education, environmental projects, and community initiatives in Burton Latimer and Cranford. Small, locally managed voluntary or community organizations can apply for funding ranging from £5,000 up to £30,000, supporting new activities, project expansions, or start-up costs, with a strong emphasis on volunteer involvement.
Program Overview
The Burton Wold Community Wind Farm Fund is designed to support projects that enhance education, environmental awareness, and community life in Burton Latimer and Cranford. The fund, established on behalf of Laing Construction, will remain available for the lifetime of the Burton Wold Community Wind Farm.
The fund supports:
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New initiatives and start-up costs for new groups or services
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Extensions of existing projects
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Both revenue and capital projects
Focus Areas
Eligible projects should align with one or more of the following:
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Education: Local learning initiatives, skill-building programs, and educational resources
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Environment: Sustainability projects, conservation efforts, and green initiatives
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Community Life: Charitable activities, social engagement programs, and improvements to community amenities
Projects should encourage volunteer involvement beyond the management committee and foster community participation.
Grant Amounts
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Typical small grants: Up to £5,000
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Larger projects: Considered for grants up to £30,000
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Funding is flexible for both revenue and capital expenditure
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible groups include:
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Small, locally managed voluntary or community organizations
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Self-help groups
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Parish Councils for non-statutory activities
Exclusions:
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Social enterprises with persons with significant control (PSC)
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Groups without a written constitution or governing rules (guidance is available for new groups)
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
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Ensure your organization is locally based in Burton Latimer or Cranford
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Check that the organization is voluntary, community-led, or a self-help group
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Ensure a written constitution or set of rules is in place
Step 2: Define Your Project
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Clearly describe objectives and community benefits
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Identify if the project is new, an expansion, or start-up support
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Outline volunteer involvement beyond the management team
Step 3: Prepare Your Budget
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Provide a clear, itemized budget
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Indicate whether the project is revenue-based, capital, or a combination
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State the grant amount requested (£5,000–£30,000)
Step 4: Submit Application
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Complete the application form as per fund guidelines
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Include evidence of volunteer participation and project planning
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Submit supporting documents for constitution and management structure
Key Considerations
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Projects should directly benefit the local community
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Volunteer involvement is critical
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Small-scale projects are prioritized, but larger initiatives may be considered
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Funding can cover both one-off and recurring costs if aligned with fund objectives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without a written constitution or governing rules
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Failing to demonstrate volunteer engagement beyond management
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Submitting projects outside Burton Latimer or Cranford
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Requesting funds for ineligible organizations (e.g., social enterprises with PSC)
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Not providing clear project objectives or budget breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What types of projects can be funded?
Education, environmental initiatives, charitable activities, and community amenities.
2. Who can apply for funding?
Small, locally managed voluntary, community, or self-help organizations, and Parish Councils for non-statutory activities.
3. How much funding is available?
Grants typically range up to £5,000, with larger projects considered for up to £30,000.
4. Are social enterprises eligible?
Social enterprises with persons with significant control (PSC) are generally excluded.
5. Can start-up projects apply?
Yes, start-up costs for new groups or services are eligible.
6. Are volunteers required?
Yes. Projects must involve volunteers beyond the management committee.
7. Is there guidance for new groups?
Yes. Guidance is available to help new groups establish a constitution or rules.
Conclusion
The Burton Wold Community Wind Farm Fund provides sustainable support for community-driven education, environmental, and social initiatives in Burton Latimer and Cranford. By prioritizing volunteer-led projects, small community groups, and start-up initiatives, the fund strengthens local engagement, encourages active participation, and fosters long-term community development.
For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.