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Community Benefit Fund Opens With £7.8m Available for Local Projects
Groups across south and central Scotland invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000 ahead of March and May deadlines.
A major new Community Benefit funding programme has officially opened for applications, offering a significant boost to communities located near eligible electricity transmission infrastructure.
The first tranche of funding—totalling £7.8 million—will provide grants alongside practical support to help local groups deliver projects that strengthen social, economic and environmental wellbeing.
The programme, delivered through Localgiving in partnership with SP Energy Networks, is designed to ensure that communities hosting transmission infrastructure directly benefit from the investment taking place around them. Funding is available to support a wide range of local initiatives, from improving community spaces and supporting wellbeing to enhancing green areas, boosting skills and strengthening local resilience.
The first round of funding is open to community organisations based in the following eligible localities:
The localities supported are: Pinmore & Pinwherry, Girvan, Kirkconnel and Kelloholm, Barrhill, Lesmahagow, Coalburn, Tweedsmuir, Crawford & Elvanfoot, New Luce and Royal Burgh of Sanquhar & District. These areas have been identified due to their proximity to transmission infrastructure projects, ensuring that local people share in the benefits of the wider energy transition.
Community groups can apply for grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000, making the programme accessible to both small grassroots organisations and larger community-led initiatives. In addition to financial support, applicants will have access to practical guidance to help shape and deliver their projects effectively.
The programme encourages applications aligned with themes such as:
- Community wellbeing and inclusion
- Skills development and employability
- Enhancing local green spaces
- Improving community buildings and facilities
- Supporting financial resilience and digital inclusion
The first application window is now open, and organisations are encouraged to prepare and submit their proposals as early as possible.
- Applications submitted before 5pm on 13th March
These will be reviewed by the first funding panel in May, with applicants notified of the outcome shortly afterwards. - Applications submitted after 13th March and before the final deadline of Friday 8th May
These will be assessed by a second panel, with decisions expected in July.
This two‑stage process ensures that groups ready to apply early can receive funding sooner, while still allowing time for others to develop strong, well‑planned proposals.
Community organisations across the eligible areas are encouraged to take advantage of this significant funding opportunity. Whether the goal is to revitalise a community hall, create new outdoor spaces, support local young people or strengthen social connections, the programme offers both the resources and support needed to make a lasting impact.
Full details, eligibility criteria and the online application portal can be found on the Localgiving website at: https://localgiving.org/sp-energy-networks-community-benefit-funding
