Deadline: 30-Sep-2025
The Energia Derrysallagh Community Benefit Fund provides vital support to community, voluntary, and not-for-profit groups located near the Derrysallagh windfarm.
The fund is designed to strengthen local initiatives within a 5 to 10 kilometre radius of the windfarm, with preference given to projects based closest to the site. Applications from outside this boundary will not be considered, ensuring that the fund directly benefits the communities most connected to the windfarm.
At its core, the fund seeks to encourage engagement, improve wellbeing, and support projects that make a lasting difference for local residents. Grants of up to €6,000 are available to help organisations deliver initiatives that respond to community needs while also protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
The fund supports a wide range of activities. Community-led projects that promote participation, build resilience, or create opportunities for shared experiences are encouraged. This includes training programmes, social enterprises, heritage or arts initiatives, and community events. Special attention is given to projects that provide support to vulnerable groups such as older adults, lone parents, people with disabilities, and those living in rural isolation. Initiatives that benefit children, young people, new communities, and Traveller communities are also welcomed.
Environmental sustainability is another key priority. The fund invites proposals that contribute to climate action, biodiversity, or the improvement of local natural spaces. By encouraging environmentally focused projects, it ensures that the benefits of renewable energy extend into broader ecological gains for the area.
To be eligible, organisations must operate on a non-profit or voluntary basis, have charitable aims, and hold a written constitution. They must also have an organisational bank account and be able to provide governance documents as part of their application. Only one application per organisation is accepted, and as the fund is competitive, not all applicants will be successful.
The Energia Derrysallagh Community Benefit Fund offers a meaningful opportunity for local groups to bring forward ideas that strengthen communities and protect the environment. Through its focus on wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability, the fund helps ensure that renewable energy provides long-term benefits for the people who live closest to it.
For more information, visit Community Foundation Ireland.
