Partner Article

Funding available from Barmoor Wind Farm Fund

The EDF Renewables Barmoor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund at the Community Foundation is encouraging funding requests of up to £10,000 from voluntary and community projects based within a ten-kilometre-radius of the Barmoor Wind Farm.

The Fund aims to support projects in the hearts of the community that enrich local life. One project to benefit from the fund is Wooler Tennis Club, who recently completed a major resurfacing project thanks to a grant of £4,000 in 2017.

Jo Gidlow, Chair of Wooler Tennis Club said: “We are very grateful for the kind support from the Community Foundation, EDF Energy Renewables and many others, who have enabled our club to resurface both of our community tennis courts.

“The two courts were last resurfaced in 2003 and were in a poor condition due to subsidence and tree roots growing underneath the courts. We’re delighted that this is no longer an issue, and we can focus on our community coaching lessons for young and older people, encouraging them to become more active. Tennis is a much-loved British past time, and with our newly resurfaced court offer a fantastic fun activity for our local community.”

The EDF Renewables Barmoor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund at the Community Foundation is currently open for applications until 20 August 2018. The Fund makes grants between £500 and £10,000 a year to support capital or revenue funding for voluntary and community groups. A panel made up of members of the local community recommend the grant awards.

Since 2015 the fund has awarded over £205,000 to local projects within a 10 km radius of the Barmoor Wind Farm.

Paul Prescott-Clements, Asset Manager at EDF Renewables added: “EDF Renewables cares passionately about the communities in the area that we operate. We set up a grants programme with the Community Foundation in 2015 with the aim of giving back as effectively as possible. We are delighted to reach groups in the heart of our community who need support such as Wooler Tennis Club, and encourage more charities and community groups to apply in the current round.”

Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Advisor at the Community Foundation added: “The EDF Renewables Barmoor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund is a wonderful opportunity for groups and charities within a 10km radius of the windfarm to receive funding. Priority will be given to those within a 5km radius and applications for support could include maintaining and upgrading Village Halls, help with access to community facilities, providing vital funds to cover running costs for community groups, or supporting projects that add value to the public.”

The Fund is open for applications until 20 August 2018. For more information visit www.communityfoundation.org.uk/apply.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Adam Lopardo .