Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm Community Fund

The Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm Community Fund is a Community Benefit Fund established through charitable investments from renewable energy firms operating in North Devon. The fund supports community organizations working within the 10 parishes covered by the wind farm area. Funding decisions are recommended by a Community Panel made up of representatives from these parishes and managed by Devon Community Foundation. The fund offers grants in multiple tiers: small grants up to £5,000 available year-round, large grants between £5,000 and £30,000 available quarterly, and capital project grants for long-term building improvements. Grants over £30,000 are occasionally available by special application. The fund prioritizes applications from the three parishes closest to the wind farm: Knowstone, Rackenford & Creacombe, and Rose Ash. Eligible projects must fall within specific funding themes including increasing access to community activities or services, encouraging community-owned energy projects, promoting skills and employment, improving rural business opportunities and social enterprise, offering sport and recreation, providing or maintaining community buildings, improving community and public transport, and enhancing health and wellbeing. Examples of fundable projects include community transport schemes, rural services like post offices and community shops, memory cafes, lunch clubs, sports clubs, befriending schemes, and activities that develop life skills. Applicants must be community organizations registered in Devon with appropriate governance structures, including registered charities, community interest companies, cooperatives, unincorporated groups, sports clubs, schools, parish councils, or faith-based groups. Organizations must demonstrate organizational capacity, financial oversight, and alignment with community needs.