The Rumbling Bridge Hydro Community Fund

About this fund

The Rumbling Bridge Hydro Community Fund (previously known as the Fossoway Community Benefit Hydro Fund) is provided by the Rumbling Bridge Hydro Community Society, which owns and operates a hydro scheme near the village of Rumbling Bridge, Kinross. 

The Fund is provided for the benefit of the environment, and for people living within the Fossoway and District Community Council area (which includes the communities of Cambo, Drum Crook of Devon, Rumbling Bridge, Powmill and Blairingone) and the Muckhart Community Council area. This is called the area of benefit. 

Awards of between £3,000 and £10,000 are available.

Purpose of this fund

The purpose of the Fund is to support charitable activity that supports the sustainability of the community and local environment within the area of benefit. 

Priority will be given to applications that address one or more of the following priorities:

• Promote renewable energy or include a component around reducing energy use. 
• Alleviate energy poverty.
• Promote community spirit and encourage community activity by celebrating and preserving the environment and heritage; developing facilities and events for the benefit of the community; or improving community services.

Grants may support a wide range of costs, such as equipment, staff or sessional workers, consultations, running costs, maintenance or refurbishment of community facilities.

Who can apply?

Community groups and organisations working to benefit people in the area of benefit and which meet our standard eligibility criteria can apply. Applicants must have a constitution and be set up on a not-for-profit basis. They do not need to be a registered charity but the activity or project they are requesting funding for must be charitable/for community benefit.

Groups from outside the area of benefit may apply, but the project they are seeking support for must be for those living in the area of benefit. They must also be able to demonstrate that they know the area and have good links with the community as well as evidence that their project is meeting a particular need. 

What can’t be funded?

Foundation Scotland maintains a standard list of exclusions which cannot be funded.  This includes anti-renewable energy activities, including activities contrary to the interests of the Rumbling Bridge Community Hydro Society, and any activities likely to bring them, Foundation Scotland or the community into disrepute. Please note this fund does not support applications from individuals. In addition it currently does not support multi-year applications.

How are decisions made?

Decisions will be made by a six-person community panel made up of two RBCH Directors and two representatives each from the communities or areas served by the Fossoway & District and Muckhart Community Councils.

Panel decisions are final and there is no appeals process. Applications that do not receive funding awards will receive feedback and where possible, signposted to other sources of funding or advice.