SP Energy Networks Community Benefit Fund

Community Benefit funding is provided in areas where major electricity transmission projects are undertaken. For example: 

• new overhead power lines 
• substations 
• underground cables 

The funding ensures communities that are directly impacted by these works can share the benefits. It helps the local economy and offers benefits to the community and local environment. 

The Fund runs from Monday 28 September to Friday 6 November 2026. 

For more information on how funding is calculated, visit SP Energy Networks. 

There are three separate funding streams: 

Chirmorie Overhead Line Fund 

You can apply for up to £500,000 of funding.

Download application form 

Find out more about the Chirmorie overhead line

Coalburn North: New Substation 

You can apply for up to £66,019.42 of funding.

Download application form 

Find out more about the Coalburn North substation

Stranoch Overhead Lines & Substation Fund – Barrhill Community Council Area only

You can apply for up to £500,000 of funding.

Download application form

Find out more about the Stranoch overhead lines and substation

Projects applying to the Stranoch fund from the New Luce Community Council area must apply via Foundation Scotland.

Eligible organisations include: 

• Registered charities. 
• Community Interest Companies and other not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee .
• Schedule 2 CICs limited by shares, Community Benefit Societies, co-operatives and other mutuals with defined public-benefit, not-for-profit aims and appropriate restrictions on shareholders and dividend payments.
• Other constituted not-for-profit organisations, including community transport organisations, development trusts, CASCs, PTAs, Friends groups and small community groups.
• Further education colleges and universities, where they are applying for an eligible community benefit project and not acting as a statutory body.

To be eligible for the fund, your project must: 

• Have a value of over £20,000.
• Operate within a region covered by SP Energy Networks. 
• Comply with basic governance and financial checks. 
• Deliver its benefits in the council area covered by the specific fund. For more information, visit the specific funding pages at SP Energy Networks.

First, read the Fund guidance document. 

Once you’ve filled in your application form, select ‘Apply for Community Fund’ at the end of this page. This lets you email your application to the Fund mailbox and assessment team. You can attach your application form and any supporting documents. 

When you apply, you need to demonstrate how the project aligns with at least one of the six funding themes: 

1. Strengthening financial resilience and educational inclusion 
2. Employability support and skills development 
3. Social and digital inclusion, wellbeing and active lifestyles 
4. Improving community spaces and buildings 
5. Enhancing green spaces and access to nature 
6. Sustainable and inclusive transport 

Apply for Community Fund