Kirkconnell and Kelloholm is included in the new Community Benefit funding programme from SP Energy Networks. The first tranche of funding will offer grants from a pot of £7.8m alongside practical support to community groups based near eligible transmission infrastructure. This grant, developed in close cooperation with local communities, is committed to delivering lasting and impactful benefits to the people and places where eligible electricity transmission infrastructure projects take place.

The eligibility for this grant is based on geographical Community Council areas. Each Community Council has an Action Plan that, as a result of local consultation, highlights the main themes that are of utmost importance to their community. These detailed priorities have informed the grant’s funding themes and will inform the assessment of grant applications.

We would most welcome applications that are well aligned with the priorities highlighted for Kirkconnell and Kelloholm. Organisations should apply under the grant theme that best reflects their project.

The below information details the priorities for Kirkconnell and Kelloholm which will be used to assess grant applications. Please note that these priorities are currently out for local consultation and will be updated accordingly for future grant programmes.

• Strengthening financial resilience and educational inclusion: Provide childcare support, tackle food poverty, and improve access to housing.
• Employability support and skills development: Create new jobs, learning and training opportunities based on social and environmental sustainability.
• Social and digital inclusion, wellbeing and active lifestyles: Improve access to community health, enhance opportunities for recreation, and deliver local events
• Improving community spaces and buildings: Improve buildings, infrastructure and public spaces
• Enhancing green spaces and access to nature: Support local food growing and maintain open spaces and play facilities.
• Sustainable and inclusive transport: Make local transport links to other villages more accessible and affordable

Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available. The fund will accept applications from Tuesday 20th January until Friday 8th May at 5pm. Organisations submitting an application before 5pm 13th March can expect to receive an outcome from the first funding panel in May. Applicants submitting after 13th March before the deadline on Friday 8th May will be assessed at a second panel and can expect to be informed of the outcome in July.

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SP Energy Networks together with Localgiving has ensured its community benefit funds are aligned with community interests and priorities by undertaking extensive research and engaging collaboratively with local communities. Key community priorities were identified through our consultations, with fund applicants required to deliver on at least one area of local improvement through their project.

Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said on the opening of the Fund: “This new funding programme reflects our belief that the communities who host our infrastructure should also share in the benefits it brings. It’s about backing local people with the resources, knowledge and tools they need to build a stronger future. Investing in the grid is about more than just infrastructure, it’s also about leaving a positive legacy for the areas we serve. This funding is one way we’re making sure communities aren’t just part of the transition to a greener future, they’re at the heart of it.”

Further information about the process can be found below in our FAQs and in our Application Guidance Document which includes important eligibility information and key questions answered. Find out more about the process in creating the grant with our Research Document. 

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If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact our Community Team -SPENGrassrootsGrants@Localgiving.Org