Funding available for community groups in Drumquin and Killen from the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farms

Is your community organisation / project located within 5km of either the Cornvarrow or Slieveglass Wind Farm? If yes your group may be eligible to apply for a grant from the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds.

 

(L-R) Peter Baillie Managing Director of Energia and Lauri McCusker Director of the Fermanagh Trust at Cornavarrow Wind Farm Fund

 

Energia Renewables launched the community fund in 2018 to ensure that the wind farms, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, will also provide significant social and economic benefits to the local community. They have committed to a £2.4 million fund over a 25 year period.

Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables said “We are delighted to provide this significant financial package and support projects who contribute so much to community life. Through the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Fund we are very committed to supporting the communities where we invest, getting resources and much needed funding on the ground. We are hoping to support even more organisations this grant round.”

In previous funding rounds organisations carrying out local projects received substantial funding from the Wind Farm Fund for groups in the Drumquin and Killen area. Community Associations, schools, bands and sports clubs were awarded grants to cover a wide range of capital, educational, youth focused, environmental, cultural and sporting initiatives. Projects awarded funding included local pre-schools, primary schools and youth clubs were also awarded funding to carry out environmental projects and improvements to their premises. Other organisations awarded funding include sports clubs, credit unions, bands and Churches.

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust which administers the fund said “In the COVID environment with restrictions still very much in place and activity halted we know that many community groups are at the forefront of helping society and innovatively adapting their work. Fundraising and generating income is in a difficult position therefore the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Fund is an excellent opportunity for the local community to access funding which will benefit so many activities, helping with venue improvement, equipment and running costs.”

Closing date for applications is Thursday  19th November. Funding is available for small one off grants, longer strategic programmes involving a number of organisations and also larger grants for strategic capital projects. For more information or to download an application form CLICK HERE  You can contact the Fermanagh Trust on Tel: 028 66 320 210 / E: hazel@fermanaghtrust.org.