Community groups across the Scottish Borders region are being urged to share their ‘big idea’ and take advantage of SSE’s £125,000 Sustainable Development Fund when it launches on 28 April.
The fund is available to non-profit making organisations, community groups and charities from across the Scottish Borders local authority area with applications over £5,000 being accepted. The fund has been provided as part of the community benefit arrangements from Langhope Rig wind farm, near Roberton, and is expected to open every three years.
The fund, which launches next week, will close for applications on 27 June. The fund’s key priority in the Borders region is the enhancement of the built and natural environment through activities that build upon local heritage and support the visitor economy. Successful projects will have the potential to make a significant and sustainable difference to people within the region. Additional consideration will be given to projects that demonstrate value for money and show evidence of wide community support. Weighting will be given to projects nearest SSE’s existing developments in the area.
An independent panel chaired by the former First Minister of Scotland Lord Jack McConnell will decide on grant awards. All funding decisions will be made public in September.
Lord McConnell said: “The Sustainable Development Fund represents a golden opportunity for communities to kick-start a transformational project in their local area. I’d urge anyone who has a ‘big idea’ for their community to apply now.”
Alan Young, Managing Director, Corporate Affairs at SSE, said: “The Sustainable Development Fund will work in tandem with our local funds and allows the benefits to be directed to broader community initiatives, in scale, impact and in the long-term value they will deliver.”
Currently worth £1 million over the lifetime of the wind farm, the value of the fund could increase with the addition of SSE’s Clyde Extension development, currently awaiting consent from the Scottish Government.
To find out more about the fund, or to download an Expression of Interest form, visit –
www.sse.com/community/sustainablefund/