Managing funds for renewable energy projects

We deliver with you

Our donors and clients include both large utilities, renewable energy developers, investment fund and asset managers as well as development trusts, community companies and community councils.

In our work to drive up good practice in the design and delivery of community benefit funds, we have always favoured a long-term view, which promotes and harnesses community strengths and supports decision making processes that are inclusive, accountable and community led.

Over the last 20 years, community benefit funds from renewable energy projects have become a valuable source of funding into some of Scotland’s communities.

These funds can be used to build on community assets - local ideas and aspirations, local knowledge, and local connections - plus physical assets like buildings, outdoor spaces and the local environment.

With years of experience working with renewable energy companies to set up and manage localised funds, Foundation Scotland can help you.

Our team provides specialist support, such as fund design, grant-making, community engagement, facilitation and fund management services. We help developers create effective and well-managed funds, providing meaningful investment, and we work with communities to navigate and maximise these long-term funds.

We are well connected yet independent – our priority is to ensure that money is well looked after.

How we can help

We have dedicated, experienced staff on the ground all across Scotland, building relationships and facilitating local people's decision making about fund strategy and spending. This includes exploring different ways that money can be available to meet community priorities.

We can help at any stage of setting up or managing a community fund:

• Designing a community fund
• Preparing a fund strategy based on local priorities
• Putting in place and supporting effective governance. For example, setting up and running community panels or supporting company boards.
• Distributing funds (including open grantmaking and alternatives)
• Tracking impact
• Reviewing a fund to ensure it stays relevant.
• Promoting funds
• We can also set up a Community Invested Fund to generate longer-term income and support community projects far into the future.

We have built a strong reputation for high quality services and community-engaged delivery of funds among renewables developers and communities themselves, as well as with Scottish Government and Scottish Renewables.

Developers value consistency, accountability and strong relationships with communities. We provide independent stewardship and good governance that helps bring these together, creating the trust needed for long-term success.

Want to know more about our place-based approach? Visit our 'Funding a local community' page for more information.

Our Communities team can answer any questions you may have, and help to explain the support we provide.