Following consultation with local residents, charities, councils and community representatives, we’re proud to announce that the Bramford to Twinstead Community Fund, operated by National Grid Electricity Transmission is now officially open for applications.

This Fund has been developed to provide financial support for projects that deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for local people and places close to the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement in Suffolk and Essex.  As part of The Great Grid Upgrade, National Grid is upgrading the electricity transmission network between Bramford substation in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex through the construction of a new overhead line and underground cable.

Emma Bennett, Head of Socioeconomic and Community Benefits at National Grid is clear on what the fund will deliver: "Shaped by the community, for the community - we're proud to support meaningful local projects that create lasting impact."

Who can apply and how?

The following organisations planning to deliver projects in the eligible area near the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement, see this map of the area here, and can apply (you can check location eligibility here):

• Registered Charities 
• Registered non-profit Companies Limited by Guarantee 
• Community Benefit/Mutual Societies that do not operate for profit or habitual payment of dividends 
• Parish/town councils applying for support with non-statutory projects 
• Parent Teacher Associations or “Friends of” organisations associated with schools 
• Other constituted non-profit organisations operating for wider community benefit 

We are looking for positive and impactful projects in the areas hosting the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement project, which support one or more of the following themes:  

• Improve community spaces and save energy
• Support physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection
• Protect the environment and increase access to green spaces
• Create opportunities for young people, education and skills
• Help communities respond to cost of living pressures.

While all eligible organisations are welcome to apply under the fund’s main themes we particularly encourage projects that reflect the priorities listed in our Priority Areas Guide.

Grants of up to £20,000 are available. Check your eligibility beginning with our Postcode Checker and start your application.

The first round of this Fund opened on the 26^th May and will close on the 26th June. Applications will be considered at our July Panel, with outcomes in August.

INVITE: Bramford to Twinstead Community Fund Webinar (4th June 1pm-2pm) - join us for an interactive session introducing the Local Fund, its goals and focus plus details of the application and award process. There will also be the chance to chat to team members from National Grid and Localgiving and have your questions answered. All very welcome to join, to register email NGCommunityFund@Localgiving.org to book your spot. 

Further information about the process can be found below in our FAQs and in our Applicant Guidance Document which includes important eligibility information and additional FAQs. If you are an existing Localgiving member then simply log into your account, a link to the application form can be found by clicking on the ‘My Grants’ section of your account displayed on the left-hand side of your dashboard and then clicking on the "Localgiving Grants" tab.

---> Start your application

If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact our Community Team at NGCommunityFund@Localgiving.org