Blackstone Edge Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund
Important Notice
Currently, the Blackstone Edge Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund is closed for applications.
Bookmark this page to be informed when the next round opens.
Ventient Energy has established the Blackstone Edge Windfarm Community Benefits Fund to support local community organisations, benefiting people living close to the Blackstone Edge windfarm in North West Barnsley.
What are the priorities for the fund and what we are keen to fund?
Projects and initiatives, with the following priorities:
- Advancement of education, culture or science
- Encouraging public participation in a sport involving physical skill and exertion
- The promotion of civic responsibility, volunteering, citizenship or community development
- Environmental protection or improvement Bio-diversity and habitat conservation;
- Energy conservation and sustainable transport options
- Captial items with a tangible and lasting benefit, including improvements to community buildings
- Bio-diversity and habitat conservation
- Energy conservation and increased use of renewables
- Other projects that are community-based and/or community-led which meet identified local needs and issues
How much can I apply for?
Grants will normally be £1,000-£5,000
Grant decisions are usually made within 2 months of receiving an application.
It is unlikely that panel will consider an application from a group if they have had a grant in the last 12 months.
Grow To School
Grow To School will work with two schools in North West Barnsley and their communities over the course of a year to develop and manage school allotments and increase biodiversity.
What is the area of benefit?
The wind farm is situated in West Barnsley located at Blackstone Edge, the area of benefit is a 5km boundary of the wind farm site*.
- This includes Dunford, Gunthwaite & Ingbirchworth, Thurlstone, Penistone, Upper Denby and parts of Holmfirth. (you may be asked to provide evidence of the number of beneficiaries you serve and where they reside as part of the application process)
- Projects outside the 5km boundary of the wind farm may also apply if the majority of the beneficiaries of the project/activity reside within the 5km area.
You can also apply to the Blackstone Edge Wind Farm Low Carbon Community Fund
Grants of £1,000 – £25,000 for projects or schemes that facilitate the use of energy-saving technologies in buildings used for community purposes within the area of benefit.
This could facilitate:
- Improvements to community buildings, i.e a new energy efficient boiler,
- Insulation to help reduce the cost of bills
- Installing rainwater harvesting systems
- Energy saving bulb replacement schemes in community run buildings
- Swap shops.
Groups applying for this funding should be able to demonstrate how they meet the priorities.
If planning permission is required this needs to be acquired before submitting a grant application. For larger grants you may be asked to provide additional information.
Application Support
Please read our guidance notes below, answering questions you may have about this programme.
You can contact South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau for help or get inspired by their Making A Good Application leaflet.
Blackstone Edge Windfarm Community Benefit Fund - Guidance Notes
- Who can or cannot apply?
- What can't be funded
- Asking for staff costs
- Match funding
- What happens after you apply?
- Reporting
(PDF, 60.7 KB)
South Yorkshire Community Foundation - Top 10 tips
Ten tips from South Yorkshire Community Foundation to help with your funding application
(PDF, 29.4 KB)
Contact Us
Get in touch with our Grants Officer, Emma, via the details below if you have any questions relating to this programme.
Meet Emma
Emma supports the delivery of our Grants programme, providing front-line contact and help to assist voluntary and community groups to apply for funding. Her role involves the administration of funds and grants programmes and support with grants panels. Her working hours are Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm.
Emma Mallinson
Grants and Partnerships Officer
Emma Mallinson's LinkedIn page