The Ray Wind Farm, operated by Vattenfall, sits on the Ray Estate in Northumberland. It comprises 16 turbines generating 54.4 megawatts of electricity to the National Grid annually, and will continue to do so for the next 25 years – the life of the Wind Farm.

For every year of its working life, Vattenfall will donate money to the rural communities that fall within the catchment area of the Wind Farm, largely the parishes of Bavington, Birtley, Corsenside, Elsdon, Kirkwhelpington, Otterburn, or within 10km of the Wind Farm i.e. ‘the Area of Benefit’.   The annual figure donated is £5,000 per megawatt of generated output, index-linked, for the life of the Wind Farm – more than £250,000 per year, commencing in 2018.

To ensure the transparent distribution of funds within the communities, a Community Interest Company has been established with Board members representing each of six parish councils within the catchment area, plus seven lay members appointed to further represent their respective communities. Each will serve a term of three years (renewable). The Community Interest Company (CIC) is legally registered and is accountable to Vattenfall.

There are four funds: The Community Benefit Fund to support charitable projects, businesses and community organisations which have the potential to deliver projects which are relevant to the needs of the communities in the area of benefit and provide a clear Community Benefit, awards of £500 to £20,000 can be considered, larger amounts can be considered. This fund incorporates an allocation to maintain the objectives of the former Small Grants Programme. The Small Donations Fund (SDF) for requests of up to £500 from local groups with a simplified application process. The Education Apprenticeship and Training (EAT) Bursary is open to individuals over the age of 16 wishing to improve their employability prospects or develop a new career through further education, apprenticeships and training at all levels and to assist micro and small businesses to retain staff or create new employment opportunities. Finally the Legacy Fund.    Go to FUNDS to find out more.