Community Council
Funding for Community Projects
Mid Hill Windfarm Community Benefit Fund
The community of Feughside receives funding from Mid Hill Wind Limited (Fred Olsen) for projects which can demonstrate benefit to the community.
Around February each year Feughside Community Council (FCC) applies to Mid Hill for our share of the funds accrued in the previous year. Once received these funds are held within the FCC bank account.
The Application Process
An application by a community organisation for funding will be reviewed by a sub-committee to check that:
The application is complete and signed.
The application conforms with the conditions agreed with Mid Hill Wind.
There are sufficient funds available (taking into account other existing and potential applications).
The sub-committee is comprised of FCC members and local residents and applications are scored by them against a set of criteria. The sub-committee will review all applications received before the first of the month before making recommendations to Feughside Community Council, which usually meets on the last Thursday of the month (except August and December), for a final vote on whether to support that project or not. The process from application to successful applicants receiving funds is usually within 2 to 3 months.
FCC makes an annual report to Mid Hill Wind Limited to account for how their money has been spent. Usually this involves a paragraph or two for each project with some photos if possible to give evidence of how the money has been spent and to demonstrate community benefit. Successful applicants are expected to provide input to this annual report.
Previously Funded Projects
Since its inception, funding received from Mid Hill windfarm has been used for a variety of projects which have benefited our community. Examples include: installing the Glendye Snowgate webcam; improvements for Strachan Village Hall; supporting the Strachan Village Youth Group and Under 5’s Playgroup; purchase of the Manse Croft plot for a Community Garden; and creation of a Community Action Plan and Local Place Plan.
Apply For Mid Hill Funding
No application is too large or too small, so whether your idea is to provide a contribution towards a larger community project or to fund a small local initiative, all applications submitted will be considered. To enquire about applications to the community benefit fund please contact the Midhill Secretary at midhill.secretary@gmail.com or FCC at feughside.cc.secretary@gmail.com.
The application guidance document and application form are also available in the links below:
Other Suggested Funding Sources
Marr Area Committee Budget Grants
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to constituted community groups for projects which benefit local communities in the Marr area.
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities-and-events/funding/marr
The National Lottery Community Fund
Offers a range of different funding programs focusing on creating stronger, fairer communities across the UK.
The Morrisons Foundation
Offers grants of up to £10,000 for registered charities delivering projects making a positive difference in local communities.
The Corra Foundation
The Corra Foundation has a number of different grants available, some of which may be applicable to community projects.
National Lottery Heritage Grants
Funding for projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK.
https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/national-lottery-heritage-grants-10k-250k-0
Funding Finder and Application Guide
Scotland’s Towns Partnership has created a helpful Funding Finder document. It covers all areas of Scotland and is updated regularly. It can be accessed here along with the ‘Ultimate Guide’ to applying for funding.
