Our work with Solar for Schools
Power Back Community Energy
The generators we work with
Get funding for your group
Community Energy Kickstart case study
Powering Communities Fund case studies
Community energy blogs
Community energy events
What is community energy?
Our team
Building stronger community connections
Dorset Community EnergyDorset Community Energy used funding from the Powering Communities Fund to significantly strengthen its community engagement work, unlocking new opportunities to connect with people and organisations across the county.
Project overview
With widening participation a key priority, the grant enabled a more strategic approach to engagement. Working with The Living Place CIC and Wessex Community Assets, Dorset Community Energy explored creating a Communications and Engagement Co-ordinator role.
This led to a partnership with Youth Environmental Service to employ a young person, bringing a fresh perspective and added capacity.
About the project
Strengthening partnerships and visibility
The impact of this new capacity has been transformational. Dorset Community Energy has been able to reach a much broader and more diverse audience, while also improving its digital presence through an enhanced website and social media activity.
The funding has also helped the organisation promote its Energy Local Clubs more effectively, raising awareness and participation across the region. At the same time, it has opened the door to new partnerships, including collaboration with the Green Martinstown initiative to explore potential solar PV projects.
Widening participation and creating opportunities
A key outcome of the project has been making Dorset Community Energy more accessible to the wider community. The introduction of a new open membership offer at £10, compared to the previous £100 minimum share offer, has removed barriers to entry and encouraged broader participation.
The organisation has also reached out to 65 community organisations in areas of deprivation, exploring opportunities to work together on retrofit programmes. The ambition is to use community buildings as hands-on learning spaces, before expanding into neighbourhood-based domestic retrofit training.
This approach not only supports local energy goals but also builds skills, knowledge and confidence within the community.
“The Powering Communities Fund has transformed Dorset Community Energy's ability to engage with people and organisations across the county. “
Building momentum for the future
The grant has enabled Dorset Community Energy to take a significant step forward in its mission, strengthening partnerships, expanding its reach and creating more inclusive opportunities for people to get involved in community energy.
By investing in engagement and collaboration, the organisation is building a strong foundation for future projects, from local energy initiatives to practical retrofit training programmes that can benefit communities across Dorset.