Cregganconroe Community Benefit Fund

Purpose of the fund:

This local community benefit fund was set up by Gaelectric in 2016 and is now managed by CGN Europe – a wind energy and energy storage company that believes in a sustainable future. GCN is committed to ensuring that their wind farms, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, also provide significant economic benefits to the local community.

Cregganconroe wind farm is based just off the Loughmallon Road, Pomeroy, Co Tyrone. The areas located within a 6-mile radius of the wind farm are largely rural, having a rugged mountainous terrain within the Sperrin Mountains and comprises dispersed rural settlements including the hamlets and villages of Cappagh, Galbally, Pomeroy, Carrickmore, Kileenan and the Rock.

The Cregganconroe Community Benefit Fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

The Cregganconroe Community Benefit Fund is available for local community projects within a 6-mile radius of the wind farm. Applicant organisations must be located in this area.

Cregganconroe Boundary Map

The fund aims to encourage:

Any programmes/projects that address marginalisation and help tackle rural isolation. In particular, support will be considered for transport solutions that allow a greater sharing of local community resources and to allow for improved mobility for the most isolated.
Projects that have a particular emphasis on maximising community space by providing minor capital works that bring premises or facilities up to modern standards and in line with current building control regulations.
Activities/services that are specifically aimed at children and young people and older people; provision of local educational classes/training courses and health related initiatives and arts/cultural activities.
Projects designed to improve and develop local environmental schemes.
Priority will be given to beneficiaries within the Pomeroy area given their close proximity to the wind farm.
Projects that encourage greater cross community interaction at a local level with a focus on improving relations between nationalist and unionist communities in the area. Consideration will be given to activities and events designed to encourage this interaction and cohesion e.g. – Open Days, Festivals and other Community Events including programmes of shared culture, music, sport, drama and dance.

Inishative Community Benefit Fund

Purpose of the fund:

The Inishative Community Benefit Fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

The Inishative Community Benefit Fund is available to local community projects within a 6-mile radius of the wind farm. Priority is given to applicant organisations based within the Carrickmore (3.5 miles), Galbally/Cappagh (4-5 miles) and Sixmilecross (6 miles) areas.

Inishative Boundary Map

The fund aims to encourage:

Stronger more inclusive communities by ensuring that local people have ownership and involvement in the design and delivery of the project.
Partnership working with community, voluntary and statutory agencies to ensure a coordinated approach.
Sustainable solutions that address local issues.
Projects that improve the utilisation of existing community space in each of the above areas.
Particular emphasis will be placed on funding activities/services that are specifically aimed at older people, people with disabilities, children and teenagers (including pre-school children), providing skills development of local people and promoting health related activities or services.
Given the remoteness of some of these locations, the isolation and lack of statutory transport provision consideration will be given to local transport initiatives.
Projects and programmes offering invaluable advice and information and signposting on key rural issues e.g. Farm Support Services, Welfare & Benefits and Parenting/Family issues etc.
Outdoor/Environmental projects will also be considered in terms of encouraging a healthier and active community as well as protecting and enhancing the local environment.
Finally, wider community events and programmes that encourage greater community interaction (including cross community aspects) encompassing the local rich and varied cultural aspects of music, drama, dance and sport.
Funding will be considered for costs associated with running/administration costs and for purchasing additional equipment to expand services/activities in each of the areas.
Priority will be given to projects which demonstrate the ability to collaborate, network and share best practice.

For more information on both funds and to apply, please visit Available Grants - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)