Cleve Hill Community Benefit Fund

The Cleve Hill Community Benefit Fund is a community grant program established by Private Energy Partners (PEP), owners and managers of the Cleve Hill Solar Park. Over eight years, a total of £500,000 will be awarded to community initiatives that make a real difference to local people in the parishes of Graveney with Goodnestone and Hernhill in Kent. The Fund is allocated between the two parishes on a 15%/85% basis in favour of Graveney and Goodnestone Parish, with flexibility for the Advisory Panel to adjust these percentages while ensuring Hernhill receives a minimum of 15% of the total fund over the eight-year period. Applications that benefit both parishes will have funding allocated proportionally based on the number of beneficiaries in each parish. Grant amounts vary by year: Years 1 & 2 provide £100,000 per year with grants ranging from £250 to £100,000, while Years 3 to 8 provide £50,000 per year with grants ranging from £250 to £50,000. Applications are reviewed by a local Advisory Panel comprising parish council representatives, a ward councillor, local residents, and a school representative. The Fund prioritizes projects nearer the development site in Graveney and Goodnestone Parish, though Hernhill Parish is included due to areas within the parish being affected by the development. The first round of allocations was completed in December 2025.