The next funding round for Grassroot Grants and Local Grants for this fund will open in January 2027.
We have identified Prestonpans and Cockenzie & Port Seton as the communities to benefit from this fund.
This fund is linked to the development of a New Substation and is eligible for Community Benefit Funding as per government guidance.
The total amount of Community Benefit Calculated for this fund is £530,000
Funding Update
The first funding round for this fund is expected to open in January 2027.
Further information, including funding allocations, application guidance, Fund Administrator details and application dates, will be published closer to the opening of the funding round.
Any funding not awarded during initial funding rounds will roll over into subsequent rounds until the full fund has been allocated.
You can read more about the project here.
Have Your Say!
Our Community Benefit Funds focus on six key themes that reflect the needs and aspirations of local communities.
To ensure funding is shaped by the people who know their area best, residents are invited to identify and rank the priorities that matter most to them within these themes.
Feedback gathered through local priority surveys will help guide how funding is invested, ensuring supported projects respond to community needs and deliver meaningful, lasting benefits.
Preparing for Funding Opportunities
Although the fund is not yet open for applications, community groups and organisations do not need to wait until 2027 to begin developing project ideas.
We encourage organisations to start considering how Community Benefit Funding could support local priorities and deliver lasting benefits for their communities.
Further information, including funding allocations, application dates and Fund Administrator details, will be published closer to the launch of the funding round.
Resources and Guidance
The following documents are available to help organisations understand the funding programmes and begin developing project proposals:
These documents explain:
- Who can apply
- Typical project types and priorities
- Assessment criteria
- Information applicants may be asked to provide
- How funding decisions are made
Applicants are encouraged to review these documents early to help develop strong project proposals ahead of the fund opening.
Capacity Building Workshops
A programme of workshops has been created to help eligible community organisations build capacity, develop project ideas and strengthen future funding applications.
Workshops can support organisations to:
- Guidance on how to become an eligible organisation
- Develop project proposals
- Identify local priorities
- Build partnerships
- Strengthen funding applications
- Improve project planning and delivery
To request a workshop, please complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) and email it to cb_localfund@spenergynetworks.co.uk.