Communities in Fife and Perth & Kinross Celebrate Re-launch of Benefit Fund

This week sees the launch of the 2025 Binn Wind Turbine Community Fund, offering those who live and work in in the Community Council areas of Glenfarg and Abernethy and Auchtermuchty & Strathmiglo an opportunity to shape the future of their local communities.

The fund opened to applications on Wednesday, 6 August, with grants available up to £3,000 provided by Our Community Energy (OCE), a community benefit society set up on behalf of local communities by Green Cat Renewables, the developer of the Binn EcoPark Wind Farm. 

The fund will be administered by Foundation Scotland, an independent grant-making charity, which is urging the local communities to get involved and apply before the first submission deadline on Tuesday 7 October.

 Malcolm Jack, Community Funds Manager, Foundation Scotland, said:

“We're delighted to see the Binn Wind Turbine Community Fund reopen its doors to local communities in Fife and Perth & Kinross. This fund represents a real opportunity for residents to drive positive change in their area. We've seen some fantastic projects funded in previous rounds, and I'd encourage anyone with a community-focused idea to get in touch before the October deadline.”

Decisions on how the funding is allocated will be made by a fund panel of up to nine local representatives. This consists of up to three representatives from each of the three Community Councils (Glenfarg, Abernethy & District and Auchtermuchty & Strathmiglo). 

Alex Swanson, OCE Director, said:

“The relaunch of the Binn Wind Turbine Community Fund demonstrates Green Cat’s ongoing commitment to ensuring local communities are partners in Scotland's renewable energy future. Through OurCommunityEnergy, we're able to channel investment back into these areas, supporting the projects and initiatives that matter most to local residents."

The panel has previously funded community travel projects, conservation projects and community hall improvements and is keen to see projects and activities that are charitable in nature, community-led and will benefit local residents. 

Interested groups are encouraged to visit the Binn Wind Turbine Community Fund’s page on Foundation Scotland’s website to find out more.