RFAs: CGN Community Benefit Fund (Ireland)

The CGN Community Benefit Fund 2026 provides grants of up to €2,000 to community, voluntary, and not-for-profit organisations located near CGN windfarms in Ireland. The fund supports projects that promote social inclusion, community development, local identity, heritage, arts, climate action, biodiversity, and environmental improvement.

The programme is delivered by Community Foundation Ireland and CGN to strengthen communities surrounding CGN renewable energy projects and support initiatives that create long-term local benefits.

Overview of the CGN Community Benefit Fund 2026

The CGN Community Benefit Fund 2026 supports local organisations working to improve community wellbeing and environmental sustainability in areas surrounding CGN windfarms in Ireland.

The fund aims to support projects that:

Strengthen community connections.
Promote social inclusion.
Encourage local participation.
Protect local heritage and culture.
Support climate action and biodiversity.
Improve the local environment.

The programme recognises the importance of ensuring that renewable energy developments provide positive benefits to nearby communities.

Purpose of the Fund

The CGN Community Benefit Fund focuses on supporting community-led initiatives that create meaningful social and environmental impact.

The fund encourages projects that:

Build stronger communities.
Reduce social isolation.
Support vulnerable groups.
Preserve local culture and heritage.
Encourage environmental responsibility.
Create opportunities for community involvement.

Funding Details

Successful organisations can receive:

Maximum grant amount: Up to €2,000 per organisation.
Eligible applicants: Community, voluntary, and not-for-profit organisations.
Location focus: Communities surrounding CGN windfarms in Ireland.

Each organisation can submit only one application.

Projects should include:

A realistic project budget.
A clear timeline.
Defined activities.
Expected community benefits.

Priority Areas Supported

The fund supports projects aligned with community development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

Community Engagement and Social Inclusion

Projects may support:

Community participation activities.
Local networking initiatives.
Social connection programmes.
Activities reducing isolation.

Priority groups include:

Older adults.
Lone parents.
People with disabilities.
Rural communities.
Children and young people.
New communities.
Traveller communities.

Heritage and Arts Projects

The fund supports initiatives that promote:

Local heritage.
Cultural activities.
Arts programmes.
Community creativity.
Preservation of local traditions.

Environmental and Climate Action Projects

Eligible environmental initiatives may include:

Climate action activities.
Biodiversity projects.
Local environmental improvements.
Community sustainability initiatives.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Registered charities.
Local community groups.
Voluntary organisations.
Not-for-profit organisations.

Organisations must:

Operate on a not-for-profit basis.
Have charitable aims.
Have updated governing documents.
Maintain annual accounts.
Have a dedicated organisational bank account.

Eligible Locations

Applicants must be located or mainly active in communities surrounding one of the CGN windfarms.

Eligible windfarm areas include:

Skrine.
Knockmeane.
Roosky.
Leabeg.
Faughary.
Cloghboola.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

Individuals applying without an organisation.
For-profit companies.
Statutory bodies.
Organisations based outside the Republic of Ireland.
Projects unrelated to the fund priorities.

Ineligible Activities

Funding cannot support:

Ongoing operational costs such as rent, insurance, and bills.
Religious activities.
Political activities.
Animal welfare projects.
Completed projects.
Activities that started before grant approval.
Projects outside Ireland.

Why This Fund Matters

Community organisations play an important role in creating stronger and more inclusive local areas.

The CGN Community Benefit Fund helps communities:

Develop local solutions.
Support vulnerable populations.
Strengthen social connections.
Encourage environmental responsibility.
Create sustainable community improvements.

The fund also helps ensure that renewable energy projects contribute positively to surrounding communities.

Examples of Supported Projects

Possible projects may include:

Community events for older adults.
Youth development programmes.
Disability inclusion activities.
Local heritage projects.
Arts and cultural workshops.
Biodiversity improvement activities.
Community gardens.
Climate awareness programmes.

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Organisations should confirm that they:

Are a registered charity or community organisation.
Operate in an eligible CGN windfarm area.
Have appropriate governance documents.
Meet the fund priorities.

Step 2: Develop a Project Plan

Applicants should prepare:

Project objectives.
Activities and timeline.
Target beneficiaries.
Expected outcomes.
Detailed budget.

Step 3: Submit One Application

Each organisation may submit only one application.

The application should clearly explain:

Why the project is needed.
How it benefits the community.
How funds will be used.
How success will be measured.

Step 4: Complete Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants must:

Sign a Grant Agreement.
Use funds only for approved activities.
Submit a Progress Report after six months.
Submit a Final Outcome Report after twelve months.

Some projects may also receive a monitoring visit from Community Foundation Ireland and/or CGN.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Clearly connect their project with fund priorities.
Explain community impact.
Provide realistic costs.
Include achievable timelines.
Highlight benefits for local residents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without confirming location eligibility.
Requesting funds for general running costs.
Submitting unclear budgets.
Starting projects before approval.
Proposing activities unrelated to community benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the CGN Community Benefit Fund 2026?

It is a grant programme supporting community, voluntary, and not-for-profit organisations near CGN windfarms in Ireland.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organisations can receive up to €2,000.

Who can apply for the grant?

Registered charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations operating in eligible CGN windfarm areas can apply.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. Individuals cannot apply unless they represent an eligible organisation.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports community development, social inclusion, heritage, arts, climate action, biodiversity, and environmental improvement projects.

Can funding be used for rent or bills?

No. Ongoing core costs such as rent, insurance, and utility bills are not eligible.

What reporting is required after receiving funding?

Successful organisations must provide a progress report after six months and a final outcome report after twelve months.

Conclusion

The CGN Community Benefit Fund 2026 provides valuable support for local organisations working to create stronger, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable communities in Ireland. By funding community-led initiatives near CGN windfarms, the programme encourages social connection, cultural preservation, and climate-focused action that delivers lasting local benefits.