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Windfarm Community Fund open for applications


By David Porter

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Applications are now open for charities and community groups across Aberdeenshire to apply for funding from the second round of the Unlock our Future Fund which supports projects focused on environmental sustainability.

The Vattenfall windfarm community fund has opened for 2020.
The Vattenfall windfarm community fund has opened for 2020.

The deadline for applications is 13 April 2020.

The Fund is provided by Vattenfall,who have committed to investing annually £150,000 to a community benefit scheme for the lifetime of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).

A local panel of community champions has been established to make decisions about the fund, with Foundation Scotland being appointed fund administrator.

The Panel Chair, Hamish Vernal said: “We received many innovative and exiting proposals last year from communities finding new routes to a fossil-free future.

"The projects we funded are now making a difference on the ground in communities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”

One of the organisations funded in the first round, Tigh a’Chomainn Camphill, which provides specialist independent care to adults with complex needs, was able to purchase an electric vehicle.

Tom Marx from Tigh a’Chomainn Camphill said, "Having an electrical vehicle has enabled us to more than half the number of miles we were previously doing in diesel vehicles and has taken one of our diesel vehicles entirely off the road.

"Our residents are very proud of the electric car and are keen to see all of our vehicles swapped to electric vehicles. Our residents enjoy going to town and appointments in the Leaf and like that it is very quiet."

Other local recipients included Meldrum Amenities Improvement Group who were awarded £15,000 to help replace the group's old diesel tractor with an electric utility vehicle, to be used for towing its water bowser for daily watering of the flower and plant displays in Oldmeldrum, and for trialling a pavement gritting service during the winter.

Two information sessions have been organised for those who want to find out more about the Fund and get help with applications.

At these sessions potential applicants will be able meet members of the Panel, Foundation Scotland representatives and other key organisations and funders who can support groups to develop their project ideas.

On March 3 - 3pm to 7pm at Fraserburgh Community and Sports Centre and on March 4 at Transition Extreme Sports, Aberdeen from 3pm to 7pm.

Foundation Scotland will run further bookable surgeries later in March to provide ongoing support.

Full details about the fund and how to apply can be found at https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/unlock-our-future-fund/

or contact Foundation Scotland representative, Bea Jefferson on07554 695 152 or email:bea@foundationscotland.org.uk


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