Delve into our treasure chest

Our Community Chest grant scheme is back, with £50,000 to help community groups in our network area carry out simple, but effective energy saving improvements in their village hall or community building.

Insulating a loft space, just one of the effective measures encouraged under this scheme.

The maximum award for each qualifying group will be £1,000 and will enable groups to insulate loft spaces, install energy monitors, insulate windows and doors, fit effective heating controls and install low energy lighting.

Community venues are a valuable asset to local people but can cost a fortune to maintain. If you live in our network area and manage a qualifying community venue you can apply for cash help, as Tracy Carr, our Community Liaison Officer explained:

 “The aim of the scheme is to help a range of groups implement efficiency measures that reduce their energy costs but also reduce their community’s carbon footprint.”

Janine Michael, Head of Development at the Centre for Sustainable Energy, who will administer the scheme and provide expert advice and support said: “We are delighted WPD is operating the scheme for a fourth year. Energy efficiency measures – such as insulation and improved heating controls – should be the bread and butter for any carbon saving scheme, with renewable energy technologies added as the jam. Until now there have been very few places community groups could go to fund these basic improvements.”

CSE have put together a simple application process along with some energy survey guidance notes for interested groups. Please visit the CSE website www.cse.org.uk/wpdcc for further information and to download the energy survey audit form.

Tracy adds: “Our community buildings are the backbone of our towns and villages. They support a wide range of activities for people of all ages and have a positive impact on local lives. I encourage all non-profit making community groups to take a look at the website and see if they qualify for one of the grants. They could be a few clicks away from a grant that can support their community and save them money.”

The Community Chest has awarded over £134,000 to various beneficiaries across our network area. Past recipients include village halls in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Ceredigion, as well as a Guide and Scout Centre in Warwickshire, and Memorial Hall in Gloucester. It’s simple to apply and grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

See if your group qualify for a share of our pot of gold!

Organised Kaos, a circus group is a past beneficiary of the Community Chest who insulated the roof of the building where they train.