The next funding round for Grassroots Grants and Local Grants will open on Monday 28th September 2026. Applications will close on Friday 6th November at 5pm. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
We have identified Barrhill and New Luce as the communities to benefit from this fund.
This fund is linked to the development of the Stranoch Substation and 5.9 km of overhead line infrastructure, which is eligible for Community Benefit Funding under government guidance.
The total Community Benefit Fund available for this project is £1,710,000.
September Funding Round
Funding available in the current round is estimated at:
- Grassroots Grants: £128,250
- Local Grants: £1,209,348
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.
Apply for Funding
If you have a project that will benefit the Barrhill or New Luce communities, please review the funding criteria below for the grant programme that best matches the size, scope, and impact of your project.
You can also contact the relevant Fund Administrator for guidance and support at any stage of the application process.
Fund Administrators are independent organisations appointed by SP Energy Networks to manage funding programmes, support applicants and oversee the application and assessment process.
Funding is offered through dedicated application windows, which open up to three times a year. For the latest information on funding availability and application dates, please refer to the top of this page.
Funding Opportunities
Grassroots Grants
Grassroots Grants provide smaller awards up to £20,000 for community-led projects and activities that deliver local benefit.
This programme is administered by Localgiving on behalf of SP Energy Networks.
Apply for Grassroots Grants
Need help with your application?
Localgiving is your first point of contact for:
- Eligibility queries
- Application support
- Technical issues with applications
- Questions about the assessment process
- Grant award administration
Email: spengrassrootsgrants@localgiving.org
Other enquiries
For general SP Energy Networks enquiries relating to the Grassroots Grants programme that are not covered by the Fund Administrator support listed above, please contact:
Email: cb.grassrootsfund@spenergynetworks.co.uk
Local Grants
Local Grants support larger projects from over £20,000 and up to £500,000 that deliver lasting social, economic, or environmental benefits for the community. Before applying for a local grant please check the amount of funding available which may be less than £500,000.
This programme is administered by Energy Saving Trust on behalf of SP Energy Networks.
Apply for Local Grants
Need help with your application?
Energy Saving Trust is your first point of contact for:
- Eligibility queries
- Project development advice
- Application guidance
- Assessment process queries
- Grant management support
Email: spenlocalfunds@est.org.uk
Other enquiries
For general SP Energy Networks enquiries relating to the Local Grants programme that are not covered by the Fund Administrator support listed above, please contact:
Email: cb_localfund@spenergynetworks.co.uk
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.