Fund launched with £270,000 available for community projects

The Progress Power Community Benefit Fund has been provided by power generation business Drax as part of the development of the Progress Power Station on the former Eye Airfield site. £90,000 has been made available by the company each year to support local projects in the vicinity of the power station, with the fund and grant applications administered by Mid Suffolk District Council.

It has been set up to support local VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) organisations in the parishes of Eye, Yaxley, Mellis, Brome and Oakley, and Thrandeston within their communities.

Funding can be used for a wide range of initiatives, as long as they address gaps in provision in one of the following areas:

•    Children, young people, older people and the vulnerable - especially projects focussed on improving access to recreational activities and essentials services.
•    Carbon reduction, sustainability and environmental projects -including those involved with improving community land such as parkland, allotments, recreation grounds and other open spaces.
•    Protecting, maintaining and improving community buildings.
•    Health and self-help grounds, particularly projects that will provide self-help services in the community and make access to health services easier.
•    Education and skills development - providing support for those seeking access to training opportunities as well as granting bursaries to local students.
•    Heritage - celebrating and protecting local heritage for current and future generations.
•    Community regeneration - working to improve other factors in day-to-day life such as crime levels, employment, housing and beyond.

Cllr Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for thriving communities, said:

“It’s good to see businesses working with us to benefit their area and this fund provides a great opportunity for community organisations in the parishes of Eye, Yaxley, Mellis, Brome and Oakley, and Thrandeston.

“So, if you belong to one of these organisations, don’t hesitate to visit our website or contact our team to find out more.”

Parish councils, uniformed groups, sports clubs, preschools, parent-teacher associations, village halls and faith settings are among the list of organisations that can apply under the VCFSE banner. 

A maximum grant of £10,000 is available for each successful project, with multi-year funding also an option – equalling £30,000 over three years. The minimum grant that can be applied for is £250.

To find out more information about the fund and submit an application, visit the Mid Suffolk District Council website.