Carraig Gheal Wind Farm
Community
During the pre-application consultations GreenPower held with the local communities regarding the development of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, GreenPower agreed to put in place a community benefit fund that would be available to the communities surrounding the wind farm. GreenPower makes contributions to the fund twice yearly in April and October currently totalling £72,200 per annum which is index linked.
The Carraig Gheal Wind Farm Community Benefit fund is divided between two funding schemes;
- The micro grant scheme with awards of grants up to £750* available to individuals, constituted and non-constituted groups. Each of the five community council areas surrounding the wind farm are currently allocated £2,000 each for these micro grants. *Please note that the £750 limit for micro-grants is a temporary increase from £250 for the 2025/26 year and it should not be assumed this limit of £750 will be available in the future.
- The main grant scheme with awards of up to £10,000 available to constituted groups only.
The two grant schemes are administered and managed by GreenPower. All grant application enquiries should be directed to Jennie Cowley at jennie@greenpowerinternational.com. Jennie issues all application forms, receives all completed applications and is there to provide any guidance on the application process as necessary.
The Carraig Gheal Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Steering Group meets at least twice a year to decide which of the main grant applications will be funded. The group is made up from members of the five community council areas bordering the wind farm. These community council areas are Avich & Kilchrenan, Taynuilt, Glenorchy & Innishail, Kilinver & Kilmelford and Kilmore.
The next round of funding for the main grants opens on 1st May with the closing date being 31st July 2025. The Steering Group will then meet at the end of September to decide which grants to approve and by how much.