This fund is linked to the development of the Mark Hill Substation, which is eligible for Community Benefit Funding as per government guidance.
Project Profile
Our overarching themes for Community Benefit Funds are:
- Strengthening financial resilience and educational inclusion
- Employability support and skills development
- Social and digital inclusion, wellbeing and active lifestyles
- Improving community spaces and buildings
- Enhancing green spaces and access to nature
- Sustainable and inclusive transport
Each of these themes will be matched with local priorities, which will be ranked by local residents to help us determine which projects should be prioritised.
Eligible communities to feedback on fund priorities are:
- Barrhill
- Pinmore & Pinwherry
- Girvan
Highlight your priorities for the Community Benefit Fund in Barrhill – Fill in form
Highlight your priorities for the Community Benefit Fund in Pinmore & Pinwherry – Fill in form
Highlight your priorities for the Community Benefit Fund in Girvan – Fill in form
Fund Structure:
Grant type: | Grant focus: | Grant Eligibility: |
Grassroot Grants [7.5%] | Projects up to £10,000 | Locally impacted areas |
Local Grants [72.5%] | Projects £10,000 - £500,000 | Locally impacted areas |
Regional Grants [20%] | Projects over £500,000 | Wider regional area |
Fund Total for Mark Hill Substation Fund Upgrade = £530,000
Any funding not spent across initial funding rounds will roll over into subsequent rounds of funding until the pot total has been fully allocated.
How to apply for funding or a workshop:
Grassroot Grants: Total £39,750 (7.5% of Fund)
Apply for Grassroots Grant
For further information on the application process, please refer to the guidance document below.
Grassroots Grants Application Guidance
Round 1: £19,875
Round 2: £19,875
Local Grants: Total = £384,250 (72.5% of Fund)
To apply for a Local Grant please complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) and send to to cb_localfund@spenergynetworks.co.uk. Your EOI will be reviewed within 5 working days and if the project is eligible, an application will be emailed to you.
Local Funds Guidance
Expression of Interest - Local Fund
Local Fund Sample Application Form for information purposes only
Round 1: £192,125
Round 2: £192,125:
Regional Grants: Total = £106,000 (20% of Fund)
- More information to follow (in development)
Capacity Building Workshops
A programme of workshops has been created to support eligible communities to build capacity and develop project ideas. Workshops will support communities to build successful project funding applications which meet local priorities. To request a workshop please complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) and send to cb_localfund@spenergynetworks.co.uk
Expression of Interest Workshops
Closing dates for funding applications:
- Round 1 – 5pm on 14th March 2026
- Round 2 – 5pm on 8th May 2026