Foundation Scotland has won the Best Engagement Award for their partnership with Vattenfall’s South Kyle Windfarm at the Scottish Green Energy Awards.
The awards, which are hosted by Scottish Renewables, recognise inspirational organisations, people and projects in green energy going above and beyond to make a real
difference to the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland.
As Scotland’s community foundation, Foundation Scotland has helped distribute more than £150 million to charities and community groups across the country. This includes
work to support communities to maximise opportunities from community benefit funds, provided by the owners of renewable energy projects. In doing this, Foundation Scotland favours a long-term view, promotes and harnesses community strengths and supports decision-making
processes that are inclusive, accountable and community led.
Foundation Scotland was nominated for the award by Vattenfall, who are building the South Kyle Windfarm, a 50 turbine 240MW project in southwest Scotland, which will
provide a significant community benefit fund of over £1,000,000 annually to help realise community ambition in Carpshairn, Dalmellington, New Cumnock and Patna.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland said:
“This award is a great testament to a group of volunteers that Foundation Scotland has worked with over the last three years to design and develop the incoming South
Kyle Community Benefit Fund. With the South Kyle Working Group – most of whom give their time voluntarily – we’ve listened to the wider community, learnt from others, tested some approaches and taken stock about how community benefit can help turn the dial
towards building community wealth and wellbeing.
“It is also a testament to Vattenfall for having the foresight to give the fund set-up time and attention. Supporting the communities with implementing the finalised
design will be the next stage of this exciting journey.”
Sheena Boyd is from the New Cumnock Development Trust and a member of the South Kyle Working Group. She said:
“It’s great to see recognition for communities’ efforts and Vattenfall’s and Foundation Scotland’s approaches that support grassroots involvement
and partnership.”
Berry Jordan, Business and Community Investment Advisor at Vattenfall UK said:
“Foundation Scotland’s engagement work for South Kyle Wind Farm has put the community in the driving seat and set a precedent for accelerating impact and building capacity
when considering community benefit funds. Foundation Scotland has innovated and pioneered to work with South Kyle’s four contrasting local communities to make sure the community benefit fund generates lasting benefits for future generations. This approach
is building local capacity, empowering groups and will ensure the fund and its wealth-building impacts are sustainable.”
Rachel Searle added:
“We would also like to congratulate all Green Energy Awards nominees, who are working hard to ensure the renewable industry continues to pioneer community partnerships
that generate so much more than electricity.”
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