Criteria for the Windfall Fund (updated 27 February 2024)
Please read these guidelines carefully before submitting an application to ensure you have met the criteria and have supplied the correct supporting documentation.
Purpose of the Windfall Fund
The Windfall Fund is a community benefit fund run by the PROSPECTS Foundation utilising funds derived from the Energie Kontor windfarm on Oswaldtwistle Moor.
Its primary purpose is to help community groups in Hyndburn to carry out projects with environmental and community benefits.
As well as assisting groups, we see the fund as an instrument to raise the environmental and ethical standards of project proposals and we aim to add value to projects by advising applicants.
Who can apply?
The Windfall Fund is available to any not for private profit organisation in Hyndburn, including community groups, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, co-operatives, charities and community interest companies wishing to develop a project which meets one of the 6 environmental sustainability themes listed below.
To be eligible:
- Your organisation must be formally constituted and have a governing document, a bank account and relevant policies where applicable including Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding Children/Vulnerable Adults
- Your organisation must be community-led, meeting the needs of your local neighbourhood and be able to demonstrate support from the community
- Your organisation must use sustainable practices where possible i.e. using renewable materials, using ethically sourced materials, using organic gardening practices, using recycled materials, sourcing materials locally etc. You will be expected to provide evidence of this, as appropriate
- Your project must fit with one of Prospect’s 6 themes and be in line with our values (listed below)
- Your organisation must demonstrate commitment to the future maintenance of the project
Potential projects must:
- Take place within the borough of Hyndburn
- Demonstrate measurable environmental benefits e.g. reduced carbon emissions, reduced energy use, creation of new habitats for wildlife, waste reduction, lower food miles etc. We will look for evidence of this, as appropriate
- Energy projects in buildings must be based on recommendations following an energy audit. ‘Fabric first’ energy efficiency is critical and a whole building approach should be undertaken where appropriate. Costs for renewables will only be approved if all practical measures have been, or are to be, taken to achieve energy efficiency, for example by insulation. You will be expected to provide evidence of this, as appropriate
Fall within at least one of the following six themes:
1.Improve biodiversity and wildlife habitats. This means protecting and enhancing local wildlife and plant life. Examples of projects that would fulfil this aim include nature trails, pond creation, tree planting, woodland management, stream clearance and wildlife gardens.
2. Increase waste minimisation and recycling. This is about identifying more ways of reusing and recycling everyday waste and making the most efficient use of resources leading to a cleaner, greener, healthier environment. Examples of projects could include community composting schemes, bicycle repair/renovation/e-bike conversion or small scale plastics reuse/recycling.
3. Encourage greater use of sustainable transport. For example, by encouraging increased use of public transport, bicycles and walking and recognising the additional health benefits of increased physical activity. Examples of these projects could include car sharing schemes, work on footpaths and cycleways, railway station adoption and recycling old bikes.
4. Promote energy conservation and the use of renewables. This means home and community energy efficiency which could lead to warmer homes and reduced fuel poverty. Examples of projects could include energy efficiency measures and decarbonisation of heat in community venues and community micro renewable energy generation using for example biomass, heat pumps, wind, photovoltaics, solar or hydro sources.
5. Increase the production of locally grown food. This is about increasing access to healthier food which is locally grown and organic. Examples could include community allotments, backyard projects, training and recipe workshops.
6. Raise awareness of sustainable development issues. Ideally this should be incorporated into all projects and under all themes but on its own could refer to information leaflets, signposting, promotion of activities and celebration events.
Fit with our values:
- We value our environment, both local and global and respect its uniqueness and fragility.
- We are committed to the principle of environmental sustainability.
- We act as a catalyst for positive environmental change.
- We believe in working collaboratively for our environment.
- We believe that local people acting in their own right or collectively can reduce their carbon footprints by changing their behaviour and practices.
- We are a people based organisation which is rooted in local communities.
- We seek to work for the benefit of all communities both present and future.
- We believe everyone has a positive contribution to make and we are committed to equality of opportunity for all.
- We believe that a green environment and active participation can contribute to improved mental health and wellbeing.
- We work ethically.
Community enterprises that aim to further these themes and values will be encouraged.
What is not eligible:
- Projects which rely on the use of fossil fuels, for example gas boilers, unless greater efficiency is the only practical way of reducing carbon emissions. We will only fund fossil fuel solutions if we are satisfied that renewable options would be impracticable or cost prohibitive
- Activities that are the legal responsibility of another body
- Activities/expenditure that start before a grant has been confirmed
- Projects that have no plan for future maintenance
- Routine repairs and maintenance
- VAT that is recoverable
- Statutory organisations. However, schools may apply if the application is made by the ‘Friends of’, ‘PTA’ etc.
- Individuals
- Work which is not based in and directly benefiting residents and communities in the borough of Hyndburn
- Repeat applications if the group has not submitted satisfactory monitoring information for a previous Windfall Fund grant
Details of the fund
3 different levels of grant are available.
For Mini Projects:
- Minimum grant is £50
- Maximum grant is £1,000
- Applications can be submitted at any time using the simple online form
- We aim to assess applications and give decisions within 2 weeks
For Small Projects:
- Minimum grant is £1,001
- Maximum grant is £5,000
- Priority will be given to applications with at least some match funding either from another grant source or a contribution from the applicant organisation
- There are 3 application deadlines per year (31 March, 31 July, 30 November)
- Grant must be spent within 12 months of award
For Larger Projects:
- Minimum grant is £5,001
- At least 25% or more match funding
- There are 3 application deadlines per year (31 March, 31 July, 30 November)
- Project could be phased over a number of years
How to apply
Application Forms and Guidance Notes are available on this website.
To apply for the Windfall Fund please use the relevant online application form. If you are unable for whatever reason to use the online form then please return your completed application form to our office in Accrington or preferably send by email to gemma.mcmullan@prospectsfoundation.org.uk
Please send all correspondence by email, if possible.
For small and large applications, the application form must also be accompanied by:
- A signed copy of the group’s constitution/governing document
- The latest copy of the group’s annual accounts/statement of income and expenditure and a copy of the most recent bank statement
- Evidence of support from the local community
- Written estimates for all individual items costing more than £250
- Written consent from the landowner if the project is taking place on land not owned by the group
- Evidence of where the match funding is coming from and whether or not it has already been secured
We also ask you to identify which policies you have in place. The policies we suggest as a minimum are Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity (Equal Opportunities) and, if applicable, Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults. If you need any help putting these supporting documents together, please contact Gemma McMullan as model documents can be made available which can then be tailored to your specific requirements.
Apply for the Windfall Fund
