SSE Renewables opens £250,000 funding boost for Perth and Kinross communities

A fund totalling £250,000 to help Perth and Kinross communities realise their ambitions for a low carbon future has been opened for application.

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), which donates part of the profits from wind farms is open to non-profit making organisations, community groups and charities across the Perth and Kinross region.

The £250,000 fund aims to help drive net zero ambitions of local communities and successful projects will have the potential to deliver transformational social, economic and environmental changes in the local area and to support long-term community development.

Previously, the fund has invested £1m in Perth and Kinross to support transformational projects, including an award of £40,000 to the Scottish Canoe Association to help create a sustainable sports and tourism site in Grandtully which included the installation of electric vehicle and bike charging stations.

Stuart Smith, CEO, Scottish Canoe Association, said:

“The support of £40,000 we received from the fund has been instrumental in helping us develop quality facilities to support net zero in Highland Perthshire. The combination of EV and ebike chargers as well as cycle and changing facilities will support active travel and commuting, sustainable tourism and a host of land and water based outdoor pursuits. The aim is to provide all of this at an accessible location which will minimise miles driven, further reducing carbon emissions.”

The Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell, Chair of the Sustainable Development Fund Panel, said:

“The Scottish Canoe Association used our fund to improve their service and help the environment. The Sustainable Development Fund Panel hopes to receive more high quality applications from across Perth and Kinross that will make a sustainable difference in local communities. The previous £1 million supported a wide range of projects and we look forward to reviewing this year’s proposals.”

Morven Smith, Head of Community Investment for SSE, said:

“We know from our work in the areas in which we operate across Perth and Kinross that local community groups are at the heart of all the good work being done to support people and improve their lives so we’re proud to open this funding once again.

“The panel will select the best proposals that will create the biggest impacts and will result in sustainable change locally. We know the funding from SSE Renewables is vital to many so we’re looking forward to receiving applications from organisations that will help deliver transformational social, economic and environmental changes in the local area.”

The deadline for applications to the Sustainable Development Fund is noon on 15 June 2023.

The application form and further information can be found on www.sserenewables.com