Westmill Solar Launches 2024 Community Grants Scheme

Westmill Solar Co-operative has announced that its Community Grants Scheme for 2024 is now open for applications. This initiative aims to support projects for local community organisations within Oxfordshire or within a 25 mile radius of Westmill Solar Farm.

These grants aim to fund projects that:

• Raise awareness of climate change, its solutions and how to reduce its impact
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions of individuals, organisations and communities, through energy generation, energy efficiency, or more efficient use of resources
• Reduce fuel poverty to ensure everyone can access and afford the energy they need

The full criteria for applications can be found in the guidance notes.

Applications for grants of up to £5,000 will be accepted until end of day on Friday 13th September 2024. During this period, eligible organisations are invited to submit their project proposals for consideration.

Since the Westmill Solar Farm was installed, the Westmill Solar Cooperative has supported many local initiatives that aligned with the cooperative principles of concern for community and sustainable development, co-operation between co-operatives and similar social enterprises, and education, training and sharing information. Examples of projects that have previously been funded include:

• The installation of energy efficiency measures such as insulation, secondary glazing, and new windows and doors in different community buildings
• The installation of solar PV panels on community buildings
• Contributions towards community outreach and advice services
• The relighting of a community building with LED lighting

This is just a small snapshot of what has been funded in the past, made possible through the Westmill Solar Cooperative’s members’ ongoing commitment to sharing the profits from its renewable energy production with the community.

More information about projects that were funded last year can be found here.

If your organisation – or an organisation you know of – has a project that you think would be eligible for the funding, please visit Westmill Solar’s Community Funding Page for further information and access to the application forms. Applications must be received by end of day on Friday 13th September 2024. If you have any questions, please email Westmill Solar Co-operative at info@westmillsolar.coop.