CHASCT
Congleton Hydro & Solar Community Trust
Applications are currently closed.
Community Grants
Calling all budding Engineers, scientists, environmentalists and “green“ champions. The Congleton Hydro & Solar Scheme hopes to provide funds for 20 years to stimulate local interest in all that the project stands for. Each year a round of grants is given to support Community and Educational Projects.
Have you had an idea that would promote sustainable energy, improve the environment, and engineer a green solution to a problem? Is it only the lack of a modest amount of capital preventing you from achieving your aims? Applications for grants are welcome from all especially young people with an idea for a project. Get your thinking caps on.
Types of projects that could receive funding
Community Development and Engagement projects that meet the following criteria:
- The Understanding of the Environment and its protection and improvement
- The advancement of Renewable/Green Energy
- The advancement of Sustainability of the Environment
- The advancement of citizenship or community development in relation to the environment
- The Use of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. –STEAM is to be an inherent feature of a), b), c) and d) above
£5000 for Community Projects
Grants will be allocated to projects which show an understanding of science, technology, the environment and sustainability. The project will need to have an end goal and measurable achievements.
One of the aims of the Congleton Hydro Scheme and the future Solar Community Scheme is to generate monies (approx. £5K per year each) to stimulate interest in the core values and educational foundations of the whole project: the importance of the Environment and its Sustainability, especially it’s underpinning by the core subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, otherwise known as STEM.
To achieve this aim a separate administrative charity has been created “The Congleton Hydro and Solar Community Trust (CHASCT). The monies allocated for the community from the Hydro & Solar Scheme will be transferred to CHASCT.
A grants panel has been set up, for 2023 applications the amount to distribute totals £5000. Each year at the Congleton Hydro AGM, (typically in April) an amount is approved by the shareholders to donate to community projects.
CHASCT AIMS:
Encourage STEM
To promote and encourage interest in STEM, sustainability and the environment, CHASCT will be awarding payments to community projects which have a basis in these subjects.
Inspire the next generation
CHASCT will be inviting applications for funding (with funds from Congleton Hydro). Anyone or any group may apply but it is hoped that young people will be inspired with an idea for a project.
Improve the Environment
Conserve or improve the natural environment for the benefit of the people in the local area.
How do I apply for a grant?
You can apply online for a grant, fill in the form and submit it. A copy of your application will be emailed to you.
Alternatively, you can download a Word document of the application form, fill in and email it to: communitygrants@congletonhydro.co.uk
Applications are opened yearly.
What size of grant is available?
The total fund for 2023 stands at £5000.
We aim to try and help as many groups as possible so please bear this in mind with regards to your application.
The maximum grant you can officially apply for is £2000 but it is expected that grant awards would be lower than this.
Who can apply for a grant?
We welcome applications from schools, community groups, businesses, and charity organisations.
Applications will only be considered when made on a formal application form with all relevant sections completed.
How will you process applications?
The closing date for applications is the 30th June 2023. All applications received by the Secretary will be sent to the Trustees, and a meeting will take place within 3 weeks of the closing date.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed against the following needs:
- How the project meets the ideals of the Trust
- How much the organisation/individual has worked to raise their own funds towards the project.
- How the project ensures that by awarding a grant, the Trust is behaving in the best interest of the charity and community.
Successful applicants will be informed via email and BACS details will be requested to forward payment.
Should the Trustees support the application but feel they need further information the applicant will be informed and the grant will be re- submitted to the next meeting of Trustees.
What happens if my project is cancelled?
If for any reason your project does not go ahead, your agreement to return all monies the Trust has donated is confirmed by your signature on the application form.
Reports and Monitoring
The Trust needs to ensure that the money it spends is used effectively, achieving value for money and in the best interest of the Charity. This includes monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of its grant funding. The monitoring form should be returned at the end of the project along with feedback from the project if appropriate and any photographs.
Climate Change Emergency, We Must Fight On!
Climate change is impacting human lives and health in a variety of ways. It threatens the essential ingredients of good health – clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply, and safe shelter.
Congleton Hydro may be a small project but it’s a small step in the right direction of a global problem that will affect everyone!
Climate Change Emergency
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Dane Valley Community Energy Ltd is a Community Benefit Society registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA - Registration Number 7142) as defined by the Cooperatives and Community Benefit Societies Act, 2014 and governed by rules which can be viewed HERE.