GrantRadar

Foundation Scotland

EDF power solutions Dorenell Wind Farm Community Fund

A community benefit fund paid for by EDF power solutions' Dorenell Wind Farm and run by Foundation Scotland, for charitable, community-led projects benefiting Cabrach, Dufftown and District, Glenlivet & Inveravon and Glenrinnes in Moray. Projects must contribute to the 2024 Community Development Plan priorities, from heritage and walking routes to housing, net zero and childcare. Grants go up to £30,000, with larger multi-year strategic awards and interest-free repayable grants considered case by case. There are three rounds a year; the next closes on 30 November 2026.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £30,000
Closes in
18 days left
30 November
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Groups and organisations working to benefit people living in the areas served by Cabrach Community Association, Dufftown and District Community Association, Glenlivet & Inveravon Community Association and Glenrinnes Community Centre (the communities of Dufftown, Auchindoun, Glenrinnes, Glenlivet, Inveravon and Cabrach, Moray)
  • The group must have a constitution and be not-for-profit; it does not need to be a registered charity
  • Applicants must meet Foundation Scotland's standard eligibility criteria: a governing document setting out charitable purposes, with a charitable asset lock and restrictions on benefit to individuals; at least three unrelated people on the management committee or board (a majority unrelated, and only a minority paid); the latest approved accounts (not abbreviated or micro-entity accounts) unless the organisation is under 18 months old; a bank account in the organisation's name with two unrelated signatories; ownership or a lease of at least five years for any building or land project, and independent advice for renewable or energy-efficiency installations; and a safeguarding policy if working with children or adults at risk
  • You don't need to be a registered charity
  • Groups based outside the area are considered case by case if they show clear benefit to residents
  • Statutory authorities may apply for non-statutory projects that add value locally, with matched funding and close partnership with community groups
  • Private businesses are considered case by case for discrete, charitable-purpose projects (not running costs) they cannot finance themselves, where any private gain is incidental
  • Each area has 20% of the annual fund and 20% is kept for projects benefiting all four; priority may go to projects showing community wealth building, partnership, shared learning, environmental sustainability, leverage of other funding and legacy

What it funds

Community-led, charitable activities that contribute to the themes and priorities of the updated Community Development Plan 2024:

  • Environment and heritage: walking and cycling networks; museum, visitor and heritage centres; preservation and enhancement of landscape, culture and heritage; village and town enhancement
  • Community and recreational facilities, groups and activities: community halls; recreation facilities; opportunities and facilities for young people; support for community development; emergencies, crises and resilience
  • Local economy: enterprise and community led economic development; access to ICT; tourist facilities, events and promotion; training and skills
  • Housing and sustainable development: housing; supporting the transition to net zero
  • Transport and access to services: transport; childcare; support for vulnerable children and families; older people

Projects outside the listed priorities but within the strategic themes may be funded where there is clear evidence of need and community support. Awards can cover revenue and capital costs, including equipment, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations and feasibility studies, and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities. Strategic awards over £30,000 (large multi-year projects and ongoing staff posts), repayable grants as interest-free loans where cashflow is the problem, and emergency awards outside the rounds are considered case by case after contacting the Fund Adviser.

What it will not fund

  • Applications from individuals to funds designed for groups
  • Schedule 3 Community Interest Companies
  • General fundraising appeals or activities
  • Trips abroad, unless the fund page says otherwise
  • Costs already incurred, or activities taking place before a grant decision (retrospective funding)
  • Repayment of loans or payment of debts
  • The advancement of religion or politics, including the core activities of religious or political groups (religious groups can apply for non-religious activity open to the wider community)
  • Work understood to be the exclusive responsibility of statutory authorities
  • Costs directly related to the sale of alcohol, including refurbishing a bar area
  • Organisations or activities where membership is restricted to particular groups, unless there is a clear and appropriate reason in line with the Equality Act 2010
  • Activities likely to bring the fund, Foundation Scotland or the fund donor into disrepute
  • Activities that conflict with the interests of the donor, such as anti-windfarm or anti-renewables projects where a renewable energy company provides the funding
  • Projects that don't benefit people living in the fund area (applicant organisations can be based outside it)

How to apply

  1. Read Foundation Scotland's application criteria and the Dorenell fund strategy and Community Development Plan priorities
  2. For requests over £30,000, repayable grants or emergency awards, contact the Community Funds Adviser first
  3. Complete the online application form (one for grants up to £5,000, another for grants over £5,000) and upload your supporting documents by the deadline: 30 November 2026, then 31 March and 31 July 2027
  4. The Community Panel considers applications about six to seven weeks after each deadline

For under the normal minimum, each of the four community associations runs a micro-grant scheme of up to £1,000 for individuals or groups. There is no limit on the number of applications, but the panel prefers to spread the fund widely.

Have ready

  • Constitution or other governing document
  • Latest set of approved accounts (unless your organisation is less than 18 months old)
  • A recent bank statement showing account name, number and sort code
  • Safeguarding policy and procedures, if your core work or the project involves children or vulnerable adults
  • At least one quote for each item costing £300 to £3,000, and at least three quotes for each item costing more than £3,000

supporting documents must be received with the application by the deadline.

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