SSE Clyde wind farm fund

You can apply for funding from the SSE Clyde Wind Farm Community Fund at any time. The fund supports projects that benefit residents within 15 kilometres of the wind farm. Applications are made through the online Grantvisor system.

Application stages

Stage 1: enquiry

Start by registering your organisation on Grantvisor and submitting an enquiry. Tell us briefly what your project is about so we can check your eligibility. We will email you to confirm we have received it and let you know who will manage your enquiry.

Stage 2: initial check

An officer will look at your enquiry and may:

• ask for more information
• confirm you are not eligible
• move you forward to a full application

Stage 3: full application

If your enquiry is eligible, the full form will be unlocked in Grantvisor. You must complete all sections before you can submit. You can upload documents, photos, quotes and evidence as you go.

You will be asked for:

• your contact and organisation details
• your constitution and latest accounts
• a clear summary of your project
• how your project meets the Fund priorities
• evidence of local need and community support
• project costs, including VAT and match funding
• two or three quotes for all costs, with an explanation if you cannot provide three
• your organisation’s bank details
• any supporting documents such as letters of support, consultation results or drawings

If you need help, you can message us through Grantvisor.

What happens next

Stage 4: submit

Once all sections are complete, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email.

Stage 5: assessment

We assess each application against thew following criteria:

• compliance with the fund priorities
• linkages with local and national strategies
• evidence of need and demand
• need for the grant funding
• value for money
• sustainability of the group and project
• equal opportunity for the community
• community involvement
• environmental sustainability
• additionality and leverage of other funds
• planned exit strategy for after the project is complete

The Clyde community group then reviews and decides whether to approve, reject or request more information.

Stage 6: decision

Approved projects receive an offer letter and conditions. You must sign and return this before work begins. If your project is not approved, we will explain why. You can only reapply if you can show clear improvements.

Grant payments

Community Fund projects can receive up to 50% of the grant upfront, with the rest paid after you submit invoices and a progress report.

Conditions you must meet

Before funding can be paid, you must:

• secure all necessary permissions
• only include VAT if you cannot reclaim it
• have confirmed match funding
• not begin work before funding is awarded
• ensure equal access and avoid political or religious promotion

If your project does not progress within twelve months, we may close your application. Funding may also be withdrawn if work has not started within twelve months of your offer letter.

Data protection and Freedom of Information

We use the information you provide to assess your application, manage grants and prevent fraud. We may share information with organisations involved in assessment, monitoring or audit. We may also share information if required by the Freedom of Information Act. If you believe any information is sensitive, tell us when you apply.