Community Benefit Fund 2024/25

From Cheshire West and Chester Council ....

Community groups in our area can benefit from the Community Benefit Fund managed by Chester Community Energy Ltd.

The next round of funding is now open, and they welcome applications from groups across the Cheshire West region – any type of energy efficiency, waste reduction or de-carbonisation measure would be considered – there are some ideas in the linked application form. Grants will be for a share of a 6k pot, with a maximum 3k per application.

The application form can be accessed via the link on this page -
https://www.chestercommunityenergy.org.uk/community-benefit-fund/

Chester Community Energy

Chester Community Energy Ltd. is a registered Community Benefit Society which develops and facilitates renewable energy schemes in Chester and the surrounding area. Our aim is to produce renewable energy generation, reduce the carbon emissions in our area and encourage energy efficiency. We raise funds to carry out our work via grants and public share offers.

Community Benefit Fund 2024/25

Grant Criteria

Voluntary Community Faith Sector (VCFS) organisations within the Chester area, including West Cheshire and those parts of Flintshire within a 10 km (6 mile) radius of Chester city centre including Shotton and Connah's Quay, are eligible to apply for funding provided they:

• Provide a service to their community.
• Have a bank account in the name of the organisation (with at least 2 signatories).
• Can demonstrate how an award of funding would be used to help their organisation and/or their beneficiaries improve energy efficiency or waste reduction or make use of renewable sources of energy.

Examples of projects that could be put forward include:

• installation of LED lighting; replacing or upgrading inefficient electric appliances or heating systems;
• provision of recycling facilities;
• draught proofing/reduction in energy use (e.g. loft insulation/window replacement);
• a move to renewable sources of energy such as solar panels;
• reduction in single use plastic, encouraging the use of bicycles etc.

Funding could also be sought as a contribution towards a larger project.

Restrictions

The grant awarded will be for a share of £6000 (£3000 max. per application). Chester Community Energy reserve the right to make a number of smaller awards depending on the merits of different applications.

Grants cannot be given for expenditure already made.

Groups should have a set of accounts or, as a minimum, a group bank account.

Application Process

The process will involve two stages.

Stage 1

Deadline is 4.00 pm 20th December 2024

Stage 2

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide more information. Help and guidance, if requested, will be available to develop your proposal.

Further information about Stage 2 of the process will be provided at a later date. The date for Stage 2 interviews will be during January 2025 and may be conducted using video conferencing.

Chester Community Energy reserves the right to carry forward the funds to another bidding round if no bids meet the criteria.

Successful applicants will be required to provide receipts to evidence completion of the grant funded work.

Contact: Graham Booth on 07445989736 for technical advice
Website: www.chestercommunityenergy.org.uk