Community Funding
Do you know of a community organisation, such as a village hall, youth club or community centre, which is looking for funding for environmental-focused projects? The Westmill organisations can offer different types of funding types for community benefit societies.
Westmill Solar Community Grant Fund: How it works
Since 2020, Westmill Solar Co-operative has run an annual Community Grants Scheme. Thanks to the generosity of our members, and the strong financial surplus of the solar farm, substantial sums are now allocated each year to organisations which benefit our communities. Eligible non-profit community organisations within Oxfordshire, or within 25-miles of the Westmill site, can apply for grants from £500 to £5,000 towards projects which benefit our communities and activities that align with our aims: climate change awareness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fuel poverty and energy equity.
We are also keen to support projects which demonstrate one or more of these co-operative principles: community; sustainability; education, training and sharing information; or co-operation (with co-operatives and similar social enterprises).
To see previous grant recipients, please visit our Case Study page.
How to apply
Eligible Organisations
The following types of entities are eligible to apply for a grant:
- Co-operatives
- Community Interest Companies
- Community Benefit Societies
- Schools, colleges or other educational bodies
- Faith organisations
- Charities
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations
- Unincorporated Clubs or Associations
- Other not-for-profit voluntary or community groups, or social enterprises.
You must be:
- Based in Oxfordshire, or
- Based within 25 miles of the Westmill Solar site (Watchfield, SN6 8TY)
We prioritise funding communities in our local area. In special cases, we will fund Community Energy England and Energy4All projects, whose work benefits the community energy sector nationally.
THE APPLICATION WINDOW FOR 2025 IS NOW OPEN. APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 12 NOON ON 15TH SEPTEMBER 2025.
Please use the link below to view the guidance document for the application process. If you have any questions about applying for a grant, please email us at communityfunding@westmillsolar.coop.
Westmill Solar Community Community Energy Assessments: How it works
For several years Westmill Solar has funded a Community Energy Assessments scheme, offering community buildings free energy assessments to identify actions which could be taken to reduce energy use and create ongoing savings. The scheme, run by Low Carbon Hub, aims to help community buildings transition to a low carbon economy and help organisations to improve their community spaces.
Assessments are carried out by our partner Environmental Information Exchange (EiE), which creates a report of energy use, together with recommendations for changes which could be made to buildings. Estimated installation costs, financial savings and pay-back periods are also set out in the report, so that community organisations can prioritise which measures they want to fund.
How to apply
Due to the popularity of the scheme, there is currently a waiting list for energy assessments, held by the Low Carbon Hub. Please click the button below to register your interest.
Westmill Wind and WeSET Funding
Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative and WeSET offer grants to community organisations on an ad hoc basis. If you are seeking funding for a project, please contact us.