'Great Glen' fund launched to support projects which benefit people living near Loch Ness
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A new community fund has been launched by the Great Glen Energy Co-op to support projects which benefit people living around Loch Ness.
The new fund is in two tiers. Community groups can apply for grants of up to £20,000 for projects related to the environment, education and equality, and individuals and groups can also apply for a smaller grant of up to £2500.
Small grant applicants will benefit from a fast-track decision in just four weeks, while larger grants will be decided at Great Glen Energy Co-op board meetings which are held four times each year.
Murdo Macdonald from the board of the Great Glen Energy Co-op said: “We are delighted to be working with Foundation Scotland and looking forward to assisting forthcoming projects in the Great Glen area.”
Projects which benefit groups and individuals in the following community council areas can apply: Glenurquhart; Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston; Glengarry; Stratherrick & Foyers; Dores & Essich and Inverness West.
Marion McDonald, fund adviser for Foundation Scotland said: “This is a great opportunity for community groups around Loch Ness and the Great Glen to take forward some new projects or develop existing activity.
"I will be very happy to speak to individuals and groups about their projects and would encourage them to get in touch before applying for an informal chat about what they are planning and for any help with their application.”
The deadline for the first round of main grants is November 15, for a decision at the board meeting in January 2024, while small grants can be applied for at any time.
The funds are generated from the Great Glen Energy Co-operative’s stake in the Millenium wind farm, which is located in the hills north of Invergarry and southwest of Fort Augustus. It is the highest wind farm in Scotland.
When the wind farm is operating fully, its 26 turbines generate enough clean, green electricity to supply around 36,000 average homes and will help reduce reliance on existing less environmentally friendly energy sources.
The fund is being administered by Foundation Scotland. For further information please speak with the fund adviser Marion McDonald on 07912 759524, or visit foundationscotland.org.uk/
