Zenobe Blackhillock Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Community Fund

About this fund

This fund supports community groups and charities that provide activities benefiting those living within the Keith and Strathisla Community Council areas. The fund is provided by Zenobe Blackhillock BESS Limited, the operator of the Blackhillock BESS site outside of Keith, Moray. The fund will distribute £25,000 in year one through a microgrants programme distributed through the two community councils. 

Grant applications are considered at monthly meetings of the two Community Councils. Additional decision-making meetings may be scheduled if necessary.

Applications must be submitted at least one week in advance of a Community Council meeting to be considered at that meeting. Please note that Strathisla Community Council do not meet in January or July, and Keith Community Council do not meet in January or August.

• Funding of up to £1,000 is available for groups.
• Funding of up to £500 is available for individuals undertaking an activity that supports local community initiatives.

Purpose of this fund

The Blackhillock Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Community Fund will provide grants to support charitable activities that:

•    Enhance the quality of life for local residents. 
•    Contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful, and sustainable communities, and 
•    Promote community spirit and encourage community activity.  

Grants may be requested to support a wide range of costs and activities, such as equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional workers costs, consultations, maintenance, or refurbishment of community facilities.   

Awards will be prioritised that can demonstrate significant added value, for example:

•    Leveraging additional funding from other sources.  
•    Working in partnership with other groups and organisations to scale up projects and increase opportunities. 
•    Projects that have an aim to reach beyond one particular group or demographic and/or have the potential to benefit the whole community.  

However, all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Who can apply?

Groups and organisations working to benefit people in the Community Council areas of Keith and Strathisla can apply. Your group/organisation must meet Foundation Scotland's standard eligibility criteria. It does not need to be a registered charity.

Applications from groups/organisations located outside the fund area will be considered on a case-by-case basis. They must demonstrate a clear benefit for residents within the fund area.

Individuals applying for a grant to undertake a specific community project that needs support may also apply. It must be on a not-for-profit basis and must demonstrate how this funding will make a difference.  

What can’t be funded?

Information on what the fund cannot support is provided here.

Additionally, the fund cannot support:

• Anti-wind farm or anti-renewable energy activities
• Activities that bring Zenobe, or any of their holding companies, subsidiaries or sister companies (as defined under the Companies Act 2006) or Foundation Scotland into disrepute. 

How are decisions made?

Recommendations on awards are made by Keith and Strathisla Community Councils.
More information on how microgrants make a difference is available here.