How to Apply

Community Benefit Fund

Grants to charities, businesses and community organisations between £500 to £10,000

The Community Benefit Fund to support charitable projects, businesses and community organisations which have the potential to deliver projects which are relevant to the needs of the communities in the area of benefit and provide a clear Community Benefit, awards of £500 to £10,000 can be considered, larger amounts can be considered. This fund incorporates an allocation to maintain the objectives of the former Small Grants Programme.

Community Benefit Fund Criteria and Eligibility

The Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is administered by the Ray Windfarm Fund CIC. It is open to charities, businesses and organisations who are able to deliver tangible community benefit relevant to the needs of the communities in the area of benefit.

All applications are a two-stage process the first of which is to complete an enquiry form. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement within 10 days which will indicate the next date for consideration of applications.
It is expected that the CIC Board will meet on up to six occasions a year to consider applications.

What can be funded?

Developing Community Assets

E.g. improving IT infrastructure; maintaining and developing village halls and community buildings; maintaining church buildings)

Boosting the local economy

Unfortunately at present we are unable to accept applications for business development. However we hope in future to support services for new and existing local businesses; developing community businesses; tourist development. This should be available from late spring 2020

Improving local quality of life

E.g. local leisure and sport activities; extra-curricular provision in schools; apprenticeships and training for young people

Looking after the environment

E.g. creating nature trails; protecting local animals and plants; clearing waterways

What can't be funded?

We are sorry, but there are some things we are not allowed to fund:

contributions to general appeals or circulars
religious activity which is not for wider public benefit
political activity
public bodies to carry out their statutory obligation
activities which solely support animal welfare
activities which have already taken place
grant making by other organisations
privately owned and profit-distributing companies or limited partnership
any activities likely to bring the reputation of Vattenfall or the Community Foundation into disrepute.

The Small Donations Fund

Mini grants up to £500

This ‘Small Donation Fund’ (SDF) is available for local groups and organisations to request a donation up to a maximum figure of £500.00 each grant year. A fund of £1,200 each year will be available to each Parish represented on the CIC Board (Bavington, Birtley, Corsenside, Elsdon, Kirkwhelpington, Otterburn). A total sum of £2,800 each year will be available for the Parishes outside the six represented on the CIC but within the catchment area of Ray Windfarm ( parts of Bellingham, Capheaton, Chollerton, Wallington Demesne, Rothley, Hollinghill and Hepple. See the map on the home page. Ask the administrator if you are not sure that you are included).

Requests for a donation could be to support such things as a children’s Christmas party, a coach trip for elderly residents, purchase of materials to help a group to operate or improve, a small local project fundraisers

How to apply for a donation from this fund

To make a request, click the button below to register and submit your interest. We may ask for:

The amount of money you are you asking for
The reason you need it
Those who will benefit from the donation
The parish you live in
The date you need the money

If your request is recommended by the Ray Wind Funds director representing your parish it will be sent for approval to the Board. Once approved you will be asked to complete a very simple form and payment will be made very quickly to your verified bank account.

“Bellingham First School used our grant this term to fund transport to swimming. This meant that the price to parents was halved for the summer term.”