SP Energy Networks - Community Benefit Funding Programme

In March 2025, the UK government published the guidance on community funding for transmission infrastructure (opens in a new window), setting out eligible infrastructure and key principles underpinning this new form of funding.

What are Community Benefits?

Community benefits in the context of network infrastructure mean extra ways for local communities to benefit from having a new electricity infrastructure project in their area. These benefits are an additional mechanism that is separate from the usual planning process. They help enhance the local economy, society, and environment to leave a positive legacy.

What’s Available

From January 2026, eligible community organisations based near specific qualifying electricity transmission infrastructure  projects can apply for Grassroots and Local Grants to deliver initiatives supporting local communities.

• Grassroots grants will support projects of up to £10k.
• Local grants will offer funding for projects between £10k and £500k.

Who can apply?

Eligible organisations include:

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies and other non-profit companies limited by guarantee.
• Schedule 2 CICs (Limited by Shares), Community Benefit Societies, Co-operatives, and other Mutuals – with defined public benefit and not-for-profit aims and restrictive stance on shareholders and dividend payments.
• Other constituted not-for-profit organisations, which might include Community Transport Organisations, Development Trusts, CASCs, PTA”Friends of” associations, and other small community groups.

Local authorities can apply as project partners, provided that the project does not cover statutory responsibilities and cannot be funded as such.

Project Themes

SP Energy Networks worked closely with communities to understand what matters most. Applicants will be asked to align their projects with at least one of the following themes:

• Strengthening financial resilience and educational inclusion.
• Supporting employability and skills development.
• Promoting wellbeing, active lifestyles, social and digital inclusion.
• Improving community spaces and buildings.
• Enhancing green spaces and access to nature.
• Sustainable and inclusive transport.

These themes have been identified through extensive engagement to ensure the funding reflects local needs and aspirations.

How do I apply for funding or a workshop?

If your community is based within one of the eligible areas, you can apply for upskilling events and tailored workshops that can help your community build capacity and explore bespoke solutions to local challenges.

For details on how to apply for funding or a workshop please click on the project fund links here. Before applying for funding or a workshop, please ensure your project is eligible by reading the guidance specific to the Fund you are applying to.

• The closing date for round 2 applications is 5pm on 8th May.