GrantRadar

Foundation Scotland

RWE Bowbeat Wind Farm (Innerleithen) Community Fund

A community benefit fund paid for by RWE's Bowbeat Wind Farm and run by Foundation Scotland, to improve community life in the Innerleithen & District Community Council area of the Scottish Borders. One-year grants are £1,000 to £5,000, with multi-year grants and grants up to £10,000 considered in exceptional cases. Unusually, group trips abroad with an educational or positive impact can be funded. The next deadline is 11 January 2027.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
£1,000 – £5,000
Deadline
60 days left
11 January
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Groups and organisations working to benefit people in the Innerleithen & District Community Council area (Scottish Borders)
  • 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 or delivering outside the area may apply if they evidence benefit to Innerleithen & District residents; grants may be proportionate where a project benefits several places

What it funds

Charitable activities that improve community life in Innerleithen & District by improving facilities, services, environment, activities and opportunities, and that:

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

Grants may cover equipment, staff or sessional workers, consultations, running costs for local groups, and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities. Group international trips are considered if they show educational or positive impact and evidence of other fundraising. Local consultation, protecting or improving the local environment and alignment with the Innerleithen & District Community Action Plan are taken into account.

What it will not fund

  • Applications from individuals to funds designed for groups
  • Schedule 3 Community Interest Companies
  • General fundraising appeals or activities
  • 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 preview the application questions
  2. To ask for more than £5,000 or multi-year funding, contact the Community Funds Adviser first
  3. Complete the online application form and upload your supporting documents by 11 January 2027
  4. A Community Panel of up to seven local people recommends awards; decisions are due in mid-March 2027

For under £1,000, the Community Council runs a micro-grant scheme. Grants are normally spent within a year.

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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