CHARITABLE community groups and individuals in the Borders area are being encouraged to apply for financial support from a wind farm supported community benefit fund.

The Beck Burn Wind Farm Community Fund and Beck Burn Wind Farm Community Fund Educational Bursaries was established by EDF Energy Renewables in 2017. The company donates £155,250 each year into the funds, which are managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Projects and individuals in the Cumbrian Parishes of Rockcliffe, Westlinton, Arthuret and Kirkandrews on Esk, along with the Scottish Community Councils of Springfield & Gretna Green, Gretna & Rigg, Kirkpatrick Fleming & District, and Canonbie & District are eligible to apply for funding.

At a recent grants panel, three community grants were awarded to improve a community play area, provide gardening equipment at a primary school and install three community defibrillators.

The fund is intended to support a wide range of activities with awards to community and voluntary organisations and projects which are community based or community led. Activities can include supporting biodiversity and habitat conservation, energy efficiency and sustainability, sports and recreation, health and wellbeing, children, young people and older people, culture and heritage.

The deadline for the next round of applications is Friday, June 17.

Lisa Blackwell, Grants & Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “This fund provides a valuable, long-term, sustainable and reliable source of income for the local communities. Since the funds were established, £895,000 has been invested into the community.”

For more information or to apply visit, http://www.cumbriafoundation.org or call Lisa Blackwell, Grants Officer on 01900 820827 or email Lisa@cumbriafoundation.org.

 

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