All surplus from our community owned solar farms supports local projects
The community fund is managed by YCE and a panel of independent advisors from our communities.
Good ideas come in all shapes and forms.
Grants are awarded annually to help local groups with small and medium sized projects with impact in the short term. We've previously supported causes involving:
- Community organisations
- Schools
- Social enterprises
- Charities
- Parish councils
The YCE 2024 community fund has closed for applications.
The annual community benefit fund round closed on 21st April 2024 for applications. Notifications of successful grants will be made in June 2024.
Here are some of the projects we've supported
The Yealm Estuary to Moor (YEM) is a long-term community project aimed at improving the health of the River Yealm and encouraging biodiversity along its length by creating a wildlife corridor along the length of the river.
The new secure bike racks encouraged children to be more independent and reduced car travel.
“With fantastic support given by Yealm Community Energy, we were able to part-fund an outdoor classroom and woodland pond that have been fantastic teaching aids for our biology and woodland ecology lessons.”
The sponsorship and support for a community owned electric ferry on Yealm Estuary, (Yealm Community Electric Transport), where we provided initial funding until the project could be established as a separate standalone Community Interest Company.
The community encouraged pollinators at St Bart's churchyard by planting blossom trees, bulbs and installing bug hotels
“Being muddy and often flooded, we took the decision to create an all‑weather facility by installing a concrete pad. The upgrade was completed at the end of 2020 and we were fortunate to be given a £1,000 grant by Yealm Community Energy to put towards the total cost for the work.”
Village halls are at the heart of rural communities, but maintenance can be costly. Our grant has enabled the trust to upgrade the heating system with modern IR heating pads. Unlike the old system, these new heaters give off no light, meaning they can be kept on during films and plays. No more shivering during performances!
This group champions the reduction of harmful emissions. They have visited local schools, delivering assemblies and workshops. The funding also enabled 1,500 packs to be developed and delivered. The project has saved 87,000 tons of carbon emissions.
"I thought I would send you a couple of photos from the opening ceremony of our new shed which took place last Saturday 18th Feb. We very much appreciate the grant we received from Yealm Community Energy that helped us make this purchase."
Investing in the future of our community
We firmly believe that a strong and vibrant community is built upon the collective efforts of its members. By fostering local involvement, we create a sense of belonging and empowerment that transcends individual contributions. When we come together to support local projects, we strengthen the very fabric of our neighborhoods.
Why we choose environmental projects
Yealm is not just a place we live; it's a space we share with a diverse array of flora, fauna, and natural beauty. Preserving the unique environmental character of our region is a collective responsibility, and environmental projects play a crucial role in this endeavor.
Community fund related questions
What is the purpose of the Community Fund?
How are the surplus funds from the solar farms allocated?
Who decides how the funds are used?
How much funding has been distributed so far?
How are the funds typically used within the community?
Can community members apply for funding?
Get involved
We launched a community share offer in 2023 to fund the transfer of three nearby operational solar farms into community ownership. The offer is now closed.
