GrantRadar

Norfolk Community Foundation

Sheringham Shoal Community Fund

A community benefit fund linked to the Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm, run by Norfolk Community Foundation, for projects in North Norfolk (plus the parishes of Cawston and Salle) focused on sustainability, renewable energy and marine protection. It uses a two-stage process: an outline proposal can be sent at any time, and invited applicants complete a full application by 31 March or 30 September. There is no set upper limit, but the largest recent awards were £10,000-£15,000; the fund distributes around £150,000 a year, and up to £500 of development funding can be requested at outline stage. Projects that educate the local community in sustainability, renewable energy or marine protection are a priority.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
£10,000 – £15,000
Deadline
164 days left
31 March
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • VCSE groups and other eligible organisations running projects in North Norfolk, or in the parishes of Cawston and Salle (included because of the wind farm substation location)
  • The fund page lists charities, faith organisations, parish/town councils, schools, social enterprises/CICs and voluntary/community groups
  • Applicants must meet Norfolk Community Foundation's eligibility and good governance criteria: a governing document showing management structure, community-benefit aims and a charitable dissolution clause (faith groups and parish/town councils exempt); a governing body of at least three unconnected individuals; a bank account in the group's name with at least two unconnected signatories (exceptions considered for grants under £10,000); annual accounts if operating 12+ months; a safeguarding policy with a named lead; and an equal opportunities statement
  • Parish/town councils only for projects of wide community benefit; faith groups only for inclusive community activity; schools only for non-curriculum activity

What it funds

Projects meeting one or more of the fund's objectives:

  • Contributing to reducing climate change, adapting to its effects, or improving local environmental sustainability
  • Improving the marine environment or supporting local marine skills and safety
  • Installing renewable energy sources or energy-efficient improvements to community facilities
  • Supporting education or employment initiatives in the local renewable energy sector

Projects that educate the local community in sustainability, renewable energy or marine protection are a priority.

Recent examples: flood rescue training for lifeboat volunteers, a Net Zero educational programme in local schools, solar panels and battery storage for a community building, and a second-hand uniform shop in a primary school.

Development funding of up to £500 (requested via the outline proposal) can pay for things like public consultation or independent advice where a project needs further development.

What it will not fund

  • Improvements to play areas (generally not supported)
  • Improvements to buildings used only or largely for worship (generally not supported)
  • Reimbursement for activities already completed (Norfolk Community Foundation general exclusion)
  • Projects benefitting people outside Norfolk (NCF general exclusion)
  • Development on property in which the applicant has no legal interest (NCF general exclusion)
  • Planning permission costs (NCF general exclusion)
  • Purely religious or political activities (NCF general exclusion)
  • Animal welfare-only activities (NCF general exclusion)
  • Medical research or equipment (NCF general exclusion)
  • In-curriculum school activities (NCF general exclusion)

How to apply

  1. Discuss your idea with Lizzi Barker or Mia Foord at Norfolk Community Foundation (01603 623958, grants@norfolkfoundation.com) before starting
  2. Stage 1: download and complete the outline proposal form (can be submitted at any time; you will receive a decision quickly); tick development funding (up to £500) here if needed
  3. Stage 2: if invited, complete the full application form by the next deadline (31 March or 30 September)

For the September 2026 round, outline proposals were advised by Friday 4 September; no advised outline date for the March 2027 round is published, so submit early.

The fund's 'tips for a successful application' guidance covers what the panel wants at full application stage (e.g. energy figures, three quotes for capital work).

Have ready

  • Outline proposal form (Stage 1)
  • Governing document/constitution
  • Annual accounts (if operating 12+ months)
  • Recent bank statement (within 12 months) showing group name, sort code and account number
  • Safeguarding policy
  • Equal opportunities statement
  • Capital work: ideally three quotes, with an explanation of the chosen quote

Governance documents are Norfolk Community Foundation's general requirements; the full application form is sent only to invited applicants.

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