Our East Coast Local Community Benefit Fund Applications are now open

SSEN Transmission conducted a review of all regional, local authority and community plans across the area, which was then followed by a consultation with key community stakeholders. During this process, health and wellbeing was identified as a priority across the whole beneficiary area. 

We welcome applications from any projects that will benefit the health and wellbeing of members of the local community. Some examples may include walking groups, lunch clubs, mental and physical health support groups, sports clubs, befriending services, nature groups, intergenerational projects, active travel, arts and crafts groups etc. 

Ahead of UK Government guidance, the value of the fund has been calculated as a percentage of the total project cost. As the East Coast 400kV Overhead Line Upgrade project involves upgrading an existing power line, rather than constructing a new one, this means that the overall project costs are lower in comparison to new infrastructure projects. 

Projects can apply for funding up to £5,000. There is no minimum level of funding. 

To be eligible for funding, organisations must have a constitution and not be set up for individual profit. Applications for projects will only be considered if they are aimed at improving health and wellbeing within the identified local areas. Project beneficiaries must be within our network area and we will prioritise applications closest to the project infrastructure.

In addition, applications will not be considered if they fall under the following categories: 

• The advancement of religion or politics (including requests to support the core activities of religious or political groups)    

• Direct costs of energy consumption   

• The repayment of loans or payment of debts   

• Trips abroad   

• Costs already incurred or activities which will take place before we have made a decision on an application (retrospective funding)  

• Payments towards areas generally understood to be the primary responsibility of statutory authorities 

If you’re feeling uncertain about your eligibility or have questions, please get in touch with our friendly team - we understand that there’s a lot to absorb, and we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way. 

It is important for your organisation to have a written constitution as this outlines the purpose, rules and regulations of the organisation. If you need support in writing a constitution, there is advice available through the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and your local Third Sector Interface.

It is usually possible to set up your organisation and write your constitution without legal or professional advice, but this may be advisable if you are setting up a more complex organisation.

The decisions on who should receive funding are made by an independent panel made up of community representatives from across the beneficiary area. 

All applicants will be contacted with information about the application outcome after the Panel meeting in March 2025. A list of all successful applications will then be published on this website. 

Yes – each Community Benefit Fund is operated completely separately. Therefore, you can still apply for this fund if you have previously applied for, or are currently in the process of applying for, any other Community Benefit Fund. 

As part of your application, you will need to answer a series of questions designed to help us understand your project. This is only a short application form; however, you will not be able to save answers as you go along. 

We recommend that applicants review the questions and prepare their answers in advance, which you can then copy and paste into the application form. To help with this, you can download our sample application form. 

All applicants will need to upload: 

• A signed copy of your organisation's constitution 

• A bank statement belonging to your organisation within the last 3 months 

• If you are planning on using the funding for any purchases, you are required to provide a minimum of 1 quote