Foundation Scotland

Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund

A community benefit fund paid for by Vattenfall's Clashindarroch Wind Farm and run by Foundation Scotland, for community-led projects benefiting Huntly, Strathbogie, Tap o'Noth and the Cabrach. Main grants are small (£500 to £5,000), medium (£5,001 to £25,000) or large legacy grants over £25,000 for capital improvements to existing community facilities, by expression of interest first. Separate schemes offer volunteer development bursaries, resilience hub support and school swimming costs. The next deadline is 13 January 2027.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: £500 – £25,000
Deadline: 62 days left; 13 January
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Groups and organisations working to benefit people in the areas of Huntly, Strathbogie and Tap o'Noth community councils (Aberdeenshire) and Cabrach Community Association (Moray)
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
Applicants are asked to consider local procurement, partnership working, building local capacity and match funding
Individuals can apply only to the Volunteer Development Bursaries; primary schools in the area (plus Mortlach Primary for the Cabrach) only to the swimming scheme

What it funds

Inspirational, community-led activities in the fund area that address these seven priorities:

Improve community services and facilities
Increase participation in and access to contemporary culture, events and recreational activity
Preserve and enhance the natural environment for residents and visitors
Promote rural regeneration (including sustainable transport & active travel, employment, housing, tourism and business development)
Celebrate the area's cultural, historic and archaeological heritage
Support and empower young people to access opportunities, build skills and fulfil their potential
Support initiatives that build long-term resilience and improve the lives and well-being of people experiencing disadvantage

Costs include equipment, running costs for local groups, consultations, staff salaries directly related to project delivery, and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities. New ideas and pilots are welcome; established activities must explain what has changed. Large grants over £25,000 are only for the capital cost of improving an existing community facility vital to community activity, with a funding plan and a business plan. Thematic schemes: Volunteer Development Bursaries for individuals (up to £500), School Swimming Lessons and Transport Grants for local primary schools, and Resilience Hub Support (up to £500 for generator fuel).

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)
Core staff salary costs and expenses
The same or similar activity in subsequent years, except in some cases agreed with the Community Funds Adviser

How to apply

Read Foundation Scotland's application criteria and preview the application questions
For £500 to £5,000 (or Resilience Hub Support), use the small grants form; for £5,001 to £25,000, the medium grants form
For over £25,000, submit the Expression of Interest form first; the Community Funds Adviser reviews it and may invite a full application
Upload supporting documents with the application by the deadline (next: 13 January 2027)
The Community Panel considers applications three times a year

Volunteer Development Bursaries, Resilience Hub Support and the swimming scheme are open any time. Micro-grants of up to £500 are run by each community council and Cabrach Community Association.

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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