SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, co-owners of Galway Wind Park, invest almost 40% of the Galway Wind Park Community Benefit Fund towards empowering communities to create transformational projects within 10 km of Galway Wind Park and to support the transition to a sustainable community.

The third round of the Major Projects Fund is now open for applications from not-for-profit entities, who are active in the local “Social Economy”, for example community groups, clubs & societies, sporting organisations and social enterprises.

The deadline for online applications is 5pm on Friday 12 April 2024.

Adding to the already €600,000 awarded since its establishment, this biennial fund of up to €300,000 is available to develop strategic projects with a focus on the following three UN Sustainable Development goals:

Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Sample projects include; energy efficiency projects or initiatives that encourage and deliver renewable electricity generation projects. Projects that will deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Sample projects include; efforts to protect and enhance the cultural and natural heritage of the local community, community planning, projects that aim to improve or enhance the local infrastructure, heritage, sports and recreation, local regeneration and deliver long-term social and safety benefits.

Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Sample projects include; projects that seek to improve or enhance landscape and biodiversity, that deliver long-term environmental improvements.

Eligibility

The Fund is open for project applications from not-for-profit entities; community enterprises, clubs, societies and other not for profit groups who are either located within the area of benefit or provide a service to the community living within 10 kilometres of Galway Wind Park, with priority given to applications within 5 kilometres.

This fund aims to deliver immediate, measurable impact to the local communities, therefore projects must be deliverable within 20 months of application.

To be eligible to apply to the Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund you must be able to provide the documents as outlined in Appendix 1 of the “Major Projects Guidance Document” at the time of online application.

The deadline for Online Applications is 5pm Friday 12th of April 2024. To express an interest in applying for the 2024 Major Projects Fund please email us.

If your Expression of Interest has been successful, please view this FAQ document for guidance on using SSE’s Community Investment Portal.

The next round of funding will open in Spring 2026 and will continue to operate every two years to help projects come to fruition.

For more information please contact Jacqueline Durnin - [email protected]