New community funding launched for the Great Glen
A new community fund has been launched by the Great Glen Energy Co-op to support projects which benefit people living around Loch Ness.
The new fund is in two tiers. Community groups can apply for grants of up to £20,000 for projects related to the environment, education and equality, and individuals and groups can also apply for a smaller grant of up to £2,500.
Small grant applicants will benefit from a fast-track decision in just four weeks, while larger grants will be decided at Great Glen Energy Co-op board meetings which are held four times each year.
Murdo Macdonald from the board of the Great Glen Energy Co-op said: “We are delighted to be working with Foundation Scotland and looking forward to assisting forthcoming projects in the Great Glen area.”
Projects which benefit groups and individuals in the following community council areas can apply: Glenurquhart; Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston; Glengarry; Stratherrick & Foyers; Dores & Essich and Inverness West.
Fund Adviser Marion McDonald said: “This is a great opportunity for community groups around Loch Ness and the Great Glen to take forward some new projects or develop existing activity. I will be very happy to speak to individuals and groups about their projects and would encourage them to get in touch before applying for an informal chat about what they are planning and for any help with their application.”
The deadline for the first round of main grants is the 15th of November, for a decision at the board meeting in January 2024, while small grants can be applied for at any time.
The funds are generated from the Great Glen Energy Co-operative’s stake in the Millenium wind farm, which is located in the hills north of Invergarry and southwest of Fort Augustus. It is the highest wind farm in Scotland.
When the wind farm is operating fully, its 26 turbines generate enough clean, green electricity to supply around 36,000 average homes and will help reduce reliance on existing less environmentally friendly energy sources.
The fund is being administered by Foundation Scotland and potential applicants can contact local Fund Adviser Marion McDonald for support with their application. Tel: 07912 759524 or email: marion@foundationscotland.org.uk
Full details on how to apply are available on the Fund page: Great Glen Energy Co-operative fund | Foundation Scotland.
About Great Glen Energy Co-operative
The Great Glen Energy Co-operative purchased a stake in the Millennium wind farm in 2008. The wind farm is owned and managed by Millennium Wind Energy Ltd and is located in the hills north of Invergarry. There are currently 26 X 2.5 Mw Nordex turbines on the site. In full operation they produce enough clean green energy to supply around 36,000 average homes.
The Co-op makes donations to local community groups and organisations to assist them with the cost of creating exciting new projects for the benefit of local people.
https://www.greatglen.coop/