the Vantage RE Community Benefit Fund for Gillinstown Solar Farms is now open to applications until Friday the 9^th of June.

The fund is open to community and voluntary organisations for projects located within a 5km radius of the specified solar farms.

While groups outside this area are welcome to apply, priority is given to those within the 5km radius and those that can clearly demonstrate benefits to the communities closest to the solar farm. Each group or organization can submit a maximum of one application per year.

The Fund supports projects and activities which clearly benefit at least one of the following categories: 

• Longterm and legacy projects: Projects that will have a lasting and enduring impact on communities nearest the solar farms.
• Education and skills: In particular those that encourage STEAM-Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths learning in the community.
• Tackling Climate Change: Projects that support environment, energy efficiency and habitat/biodiversity conservation projects .
• Social Inclusion and Wellness: Projects that support both physical and mental health, recreation, safety and wellbeing.

• Sustainable Communities: Projects that enhance the capacity of the population to achieve sustainability and self-sufficiency.
• Culture and Heritage: Projects that support history, heritage, and culture.

Applications can be made through the following link.

Guidance document is here

Presentation:

To apply to the fund, you will first need to register as a new user, once you have registered you will receive a confirmation e-mail. Please note, this confirmation e-mail can sometimes be directed to your Junk or Spam Folders.

We recommend using your Community Groups email as the primary contact for the group. This ensures continuity and consistency in handling applications and communications.

Applicants will receive an outcome on their applications no later than end of July 2025.

Getting started on your project ideas early will greatly assist with your application, as a well-developed project is key to a successful outcome. 

It is essential to note that applications from groups/organisations that do not submit required documentation with the application form e.g., planning permission, planning exemption or owner permission, will not proceed to evaluation.  Also to note that projects involving costs greater than €5,000 need to submit three quotations, those with costs less than €5,000 need to submit just one.  

Please ensure you take the time to read the Fund Guidelines prior to starting an application.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at ewalsh@secad.ie or call the main office number on Tel: 021 – 461 3432 or email: info@secad.ie .