Projects encouraging more reading and sports activity locally and promoting environmental sustainability are among those being energised through the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant Community Power Fund.

Since it was set up in 2019, the Power Fund has awarded more than £150,000 to 54 community projects in Sleaford and the surrounding area.

Most recently these were:
•    Sleaford Little Theatre – installation of solar panels on the roof of the workshop attached to the Playhouse
•    New Life Church Ministries (Sleaford) – funding for ‘Let’s Cook Sleaford’ which will help residents over 18 to build their cooking skills and confidence 
•    Kirkby La Thorpe Church of England School – to build a new library area 
•    Sleaford Rugby Football Club – for the replacement of flood-lighting 
•    Sleaford Town Bowls Club – to refurbish their toilets and kitchen in their pavilion
•    Elsaforde Park Bowls Club – for the purchase of a lawnmower 
•    Abbey Access Training – to deliver Community Wellbeing Sessions in Sleaford for adults aged 18 and over

In partnership with North Kesteven District Council, the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant seeks to allocate up to £25,000 a year to support community projects within a five-mile radius of the plant.

With a focus on encouraging community cohesion to build stronger communities, there is an emphasis on projects relating to the environment, sport, wellbeing and education.

The scheme is open for eligible applications, anytime. They are considered on a quarterly basis, with deadlines of April 8, and August 12, for the next rounds of applications.

Additional information on this grant scheme, and others, can be found at: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/grants.

Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “Local communities and the people within them are at the heart of everything we do at the Council. It is important to be able to support projects that encourage enhanced skills and wellbeing like cooking, reading and physical activity, and that help the environment. Being able to give financial support to such fantastic groups and community projects shows how valuable the Community Power Fund is, and I would like to encourage more local groups to send their applications in.”

Jo Simpson, General Manager at Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant and Deputy Chair of the Community Power Fund Panel, said: “It is great to see the Sleaford REP Power Fund, with the valued support of North Kesteven District Council, continuing to award grants to so many different groups and organisations within the area. It is making such a positive difference to people’s lives.”

For a local project to be supported by the Power Fund, it must meet the following objectives: 
•    Cover one of the following: the environment, sport, wellbeing and education
•    Encourage community cohesion to build stronger communities
•    Benefit the community/group by supporting activities and projects that bring wider community benefit