Burnham and Weston Energy Sunshine Fund has been set up by Burnham and Weston Energy CIC using profits generated by one of the largest community solar projects in the UK, at Wick Farm, located between Lympsham and Brean. 

The Sunshine Fund can help you turn your bright ideas into a reality. Whether your idea sparks something new, makes a good thing better, sees you working with a group or leading the charge, one goal your project must have is making your community or community organisation more sustainable. That could mean environmental, social and/or economic sustainability.

Grants of up to £2,500 are available – although larger grants may be awarded for projects that will have tangible community-wide benefits or are particularly innovative for the area.

Funding will be available for projects and initiatives covering an area stretching up the Somerset coastline from Burnham-on-Sea to Weston-super-Mare, and inland to Mark and Winscombe. To check if your project is located within the eligible area, and for more details on the type of projects likely to be awarded, click here.

The sort of things the Sunshine Fund is looking to support include:

• Projects that help reduce energy costs and carbon emission for local community buildings – such as fitting LED lighting, solar panels or ‘smart’ controls.
• Community-led activities that help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions, such as draft proofing, insulation, and renewable energy.
• Community and low carbon transport projects, such as car clubs, electric vehicle chargers or a community mini-bus.
• Projects that reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, and help communities make the most of their resources.
• Community-led ideas that help develop the local economy, local social enterprise and skills, and prepare people for work or create jobs.
• Ideas that will help community clubs or organisations (whatever it does) better serve the community, particularly the disadvantaged.
• Projects that help develop local skills and knowledge, particularly in relation to energy, climate change and the environment.

Applications are welcomed from local, community-led organisations, small voluntary groups, clubs, charities, social enterprises, schools, and health centres.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday 20th April 2019.

To find out more contact us today.