Community Benefit Fund

About the Fund.

The Community Benefit Fund is the developer’s way of saying thank you to the local community for their continuing support of the renewable energy projects within the parish.

The Community Benefit Fund can be used for small scale projects that benefit those living in the Parish of St Stephen in Brannel or, at the discretion of the committee, in a neighbouring parish.

To ensure the fund has the interest of local residents at its core St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council has delegated the administration of the fund to the Finance & Policy committee. It will be up to the committee to approve applications and award grants.

It is recommended that you read these guidelines thoroughly before completing an application. They have been designed to be used by applicants and those who want to know more about the fund. We hope they will help you decide whether your project is eligible for funding as well as guiding you through the application process.

Who can Apply?

Application submissions are open to grass roots community voluntary groups, individuals, charities, social enterprises and formally established groups as well as those who are associated with a partnership, network or a specific project within the Parish of St Stephen in Brannel and the immediate surrounding areas.

All payments from the fund are at the discretion of the Finance & Policy Committee.

What Kinds of projects are eligible?

The Committee are keen for projects to build upon the community’s existing social, economic or environmental sustainability by the making of grants or loans for the promotion and installation of energy efficiency measures, small scale renewable energy projects, education and capacity building projects or other projects involving renewable energy climate change, nature conservation and enhancing the public realm through planting so they may create and/or deliver outcomes for the benefit of the Scheme Beneficiaries.

However, the eligibility of projects will be left to the discretion of the Finance & Policy Committee.

What cannot be funded?

The committee wish to encourage as many people as possible to apply for funding, but there are some projects that are not eligible for a grant/loan. Listed below are a few examples.

Projects of a political or exclusively religious nature
Projects where the grant is to be used for personal financial gain.
Projects that aim to improve/increase the value of the applicant’s own private property.

How many times can we apply?

To ensure a fair allocation of the fund, each organisation is entitled to apply once a year, the eligibility of which will be decided by the Finance & Policy Committee.

Publicity

Where appropriate a plaque should be erected stating that the project has been either part funded or wholly funded by the St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council Community Benefit Fund.

Applications

Applications will be considered in June, August, November and during the first quarter of 2024 and must be received by the first day of the aforementioned months. Applications received outside these periods will not be considered.

A few things to note

The Committee reserves the right to allocate the entire yearly fund in June if they feel there is a project particularly beneficial to the community. The Committee reserves the right to make payments in instalments so that progress of the project can be monitored. Once approval is given, a contract will need to be signed. A bank account in the name of the organisation must be active at the time a grant is awarded. The Committee reserves the right to roll over the fund if they feel a suitable project has not been identified in this time.

Filling out the application form

You can complete the form online (below) or download a copy to submit by email or post. You may be called upon for further information if necessary. Please be as accurate as possible throughout, providing researched facts, figures, receipts, audited accounts and a business plan where applicable.