Deadline: 12-Jun-2026
The New Albion Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund provides grants to support community, environmental, educational, and charitable projects benefiting residents in the parishes of Rushton and Pipewell in the United Kingdom. The programme supports local initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, volunteering, heritage preservation, youth engagement, and green spaces.
The fund is independently administered by Northamptonshire Community Foundation and will remain available throughout the lifetime of the New Albion Wind Farm. Grants of up to £10,000 are available, with larger awards considered for suitable projects.
About the Fund
The programme supports:
- Community development projects
- Educational initiatives
- Environmental activities
- Charitable programmes
- Community amenity improvements
Funding is available for:
- New community projects
- Start-up costs for groups or services
- Expansion of existing initiatives
Both:
- Revenue projects
- Capital projects
are eligible.
Key Focus Areas
Priority areas include:
- Training and volunteering schemes
- Pocket parks and green spaces
- Arts and cultural activities
- Local heritage preservation
- Youth clubs
- Community safety schemes
The programme aims to improve quality of life and strengthen local participation in the surrounding communities.
Funding Details
Grant amount:
- Up to £10,000
Larger awards:
- May be considered for suitable projects
The fund operates throughout:
- The lifetime of the New Albion Wind Farm
Eligible Areas
Projects must directly benefit residents in:
- Rushton
- Pipewell
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Small voluntary groups
- Community organizations
- Self-help groups
Applicant groups must:
- Be locally managed
- Operate within eligible communities
- Involve volunteers outside the management committee
- Have written governing rules or a constitution
Required Policies
Organizations must also have:
These are mandatory conditions for funding eligibility.
Why This Fund Matters
Community benefit funds connected to renewable energy projects help:
- Support grassroots community initiatives
- Improve local wellbeing
- Encourage volunteering and participation
- Preserve local heritage and green spaces
- Strengthen community resilience
The programme ensures local communities receive direct and long-term benefits from renewable energy development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who administers the programme?
The fund is administered by:
- Northamptonshire Community Foundation
What is the maximum grant amount?
Applicants may request:
- Up to £10,000
Can larger grants be awarded?
Yes. Larger awards may be considered for:
- Suitable projects with strong community benefit
Which areas are eligible?
Projects must benefit residents in:
- Rushton
- Pipewell
What projects are supported?
The programme supports:
- Environmental initiatives
- Educational projects
- Youth clubs
- Heritage preservation
- Community safety schemes
- Green spaces and volunteering programmes
What policies are required?
Applicants must have:
- Safeguarding procedures
- Equality policies
- Written governing rules or constitution
Conclusion
The New Albion Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund provides long-term support for projects that improve community wellbeing and local development in Rushton and Pipewell. Through grants for environmental, educational, cultural, and volunteer-led initiatives, the programme helps build stronger, safer, and more connected communities throughout the operational lifetime of the wind farm.
For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.