Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund open for applications

Funding is available for local community groups in the Brookeborough area. The Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund which launched last year is open again for applications. Energia, the owners of the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm, set up the fund to ensure that the wind farm, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, will also provide significant social and economic benefits to the local community.

 

(L-R) Peter Baillie Managing Director of Energia and Lauri McCusker Director of the Fermanagh Trust

 

Administered by the Fermanagh Trust, County Fermanagh’s community foundation, the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund will be available to community projects within 5k of the wind farm. Small one off grants will be available for various activities up to a maximum of £2000, grants over a 1-3 year period for longer strategic programmes involving a number of organisations and also larger grants for strategic capital projects.

Last year 21 organisations carrying out local projects in the Brookeborough area received funding totalling almost £50,000 from the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund. Grants were awarded to a number of projects including one long term capital grant to the Knocks Community Association. The group were awarded funding to advance the scenic Lough Lea trail.
Young  people in particular benefitted from the fund, with grant awards going to youth clubs, scouts, girl friendly society, the playgroup and the two primary schools, all to support them with various projects and equipment including a defibrillator for Brookeborough Primary School.

Local community associations and sports clubs used their grant awards to cover their running costs and equipment costs.  Other groups supported include bands, drama group and heritage group who were awarded grants to support equipment and tuition costs.

Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables said “We are very committed to supporting the communities where we invest, getting resources and much needed funding on the ground. Energia are delighted to be working with the Fermanagh Trust, who operate this fund on our behalf, providing real opportunity for groups and organisations to access financial support and contribute to community life. We are confident that, over time, many local community organisations and voluntary groups will see the benefit of this initiative.”

 

Colebrooke Scouts, previous recipients of grant award from the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund

 

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust added “The Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund is an excellent opportunity for the local community to access funding which will benefit so many community activities. We know from our work over the last 20 years that there are some fantastic voluntary projects taking place and we look forward to seeing applications coming in.”

Closing date for applications is Friday 15th November. For more information, guidelines and application form CLICK HERE or contact hazel@fermanaghtrust.org