Whiteside Hill Wind Farm Community Fund

The Whiteside Hill Wind Farm Community Fund supports community projects benefiting those living in areas covered by the community councils of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm and the Royal Burgh of Sanquhar and District. This fund is provided by Netro Energy, which manages the Whiteside Hill Wind Farm. An annual amount of at least £135,000 per year, rising in line with inflation, will be paid into the fund for the operating life of the wind farm, which is expected to be 25 years. The fund opened in 2018. The fund prioritizes projects that contribute to Upper Nithsdale Community Trust priorities, including services and projects delivering economic benefits such as events, festivals, arts, employability activities, and tourism-related projects; activities demonstrating community benefits and building community capacity such as community-managed services, civic pride and environmental projects; and services addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups through early intervention, including young people and aging population engagement. Grant requests support a wide range of costs and activities including equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional worker costs, consultations, and maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities. Multi-year awards for a maximum of three years may be applied for. Applications are prioritized when they enhance or are additional to normal service provision, demonstrate community consultation, and show evidence of working in partnership with other organisations.