Larger community grants
Tweedsmuir currently benefits from two Community Benefit Funds associated with local wind farms. These funds provide grants for larger community projects that improve life in the local area. An additional fund is also available from SP Energy Networks, associated with their infrastructure installation.
Unlike Community Council microgrants, applications for these funds are made directly to the fund administrators.
At a Glance
💷 Grants typically between £250 and £25,000
🏘️ For constituted community organisations and local groups
📅 Four funding rounds each year
🌱 Supporting projects that benefit local communities
SSE Clyde Borders Community Fund
The Clyde Borders Community Fund distributes around £150,000 each year to communities within its benefit area, including Tweedsmuir, Broughton and Skirling.
The fund supports projects that:
- Enhance the quality of life for local residents
- Contribute to vibrant, successful and sustainable communities
- Promote community spirit and encourage community activity
Constituted community organisations and local groups (they do not need to be registered charities).
Typical grant size
£250–£25,000, with larger awards possible in exceptional circumstances.
Who can apply?
Constituted community organisations and local groups (they do not need to be registered charities).
Typical grant size
£250–£25,000, with larger awards possible in exceptional circumstances.
To apply:
Nadara Glenkerie Community Fund
The Nadara Glenkerie Community Fund is administered by Foundation Scotland and distributes approximately £57,000 each year.
Eligible communities include those within approximately 15 km of the wind farm, including:
- Tweedsmuir
- Biggar
- Broughton
- Symington
- Roberton
- Skirling
- Lamington
- Coulter
Who can apply?
Constituted community organisations and local groups (they do not need to be registered charities).
Typical grant size
£500–£10,000, with larger awards possible.
To apply:
SP Energy Network Community Fund
SP Energy Networks, via the Clyde South Overhead Lines Fund
Eligible Area: Communities near SP Energy Networks’ transmission infrastructure, including Tweedsmuir
The fund supports projects that deliver lasting social, economic and environmental benefits, from improving community spaces and upgrading local facilities to energy-saving improvements, wellbeing activities, and sustainable transport.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from community groups, charities and social enterprises with a project or idea that will benefit the area.
Grant range
There are two tiers:
- Grassroots Grants – £1,000 – £10,000, for smaller initiatives or projects with short delivery timescales
- Local Grants – £10,000–£500,000, for larger-scale projects with wider impact, such as improvements to community buildings or environmental upgrades
Delivery partners:
Localgiving and Energy Saving Trust, who run the online application process for each fund tier.
Application process:
Apply directly via SP Energy Networks’ website — full eligibility criteria, expression of interest and application forms are on the Clyde South Overhead Lines Fund page. SP Energy Networks’ Community Benefits Team can also help sense-check a project’s eligibility or develop an early idea before you apply. Email: communitybenefits@spenergynetworks.co.uk
How grant decisions are made
Wind farm grants:
Applications are considered by an independent Community Panel made up of people who live, work or volunteer within the fund benefit area. The panel includes a mixture of community councillors and other local residents and makes recommendations on grant awards.
Panel members normally serve for several years, with membership changing gradually over time to retain local knowledge and experience. When vacancies arise, opportunities to join a panel are advertised locally and on this website, with appointments made through an open and transparent process.
SP Energy Network grants:
The SP Energy Networks fund is assessed and awarded directly by SP Energy Networks and its delivery partners (Localgiving and Energy Saving Trust) — applications for this fund do not go through a Community Panel.
💡Need advice before applying?
If you are unsure whether your project may be eligible, or which Community Benefit Fund is the most appropriate, please contact Tweedsmuir Community Council before submitting your application. We will be happy to point you in the right direction.