SP Energy Networks: Community Benefit Funding

We’re proud to announce the launch of our new Community Benefit Funding Programme. This initiative is designed to support communities that host our electricity transmission infrastructure, delivering long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits.

From January 2026, eligible community organisations based near specific qualifying electricity transmission infrastructure  projects can apply for Grassroots and Local grants to deliver initiatives supporting local communities.

• Grassroots grants will support projects of up to £10k
• Local grants will offer funding for projects between £10k and 500K

Eligible organisations include:

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies and other non-profit companies limited by guarantee.
• Schedule 2 CICs (Limited by Shares), Community Benefit Societies, Co-operatives, and other Mutuals – with defined public benefit and not-for-profit aims and restrictive stance on shareholders and dividend payments.
• Other constituted not-for-profit organisations, which might include Community Transport Organisations, Development Trusts, CASCs, PTA"Friends of" associations, and other small community groups.

Local authorities can apply as project partners, provided that the project does not cover statutory responsibilities and cannot be funded as such.

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We’ve worked closely with communities to understand what matters most. Applicants will be asked to align their projects with at least one of the following themes:

• Strengthening financial resilience and educational inclusion
• Supporting employability and skills development
• Promoting wellbeing, active lifestyles, social and digital inclusion
• Improving community spaces and buildings
• Enhancing green spaces and access to nature
• Sustainable and inclusive transport

These themes have been identified through extensive engagement to ensure the funding reflects local needs and aspirations.

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Visit the link below for more information on the locations being supported.