Teachers in a workshop in a green classroom with art on the walls.

Grant funding for community energy groups

It's no secret that community energy groups need more backing to help grow their projects, which is why we're proud to run annual grant funding rounds to support them through our Powering Communities Fund!

So far, we've awarded £95,000 to deserving projects, and we're excited to have recently announced the winners of our 2026 funding round.

 

Applications are currently closed — the next round opens 1st May 2027.

 

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rounds of funding awarded so far

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given out to deserving projects

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different projects taken to the next level

How our Powering Communities Fund works

 

Every time someone chooses community-produced energy, it helps fund another community project.

Someone switches

A new customer moves to EnergyCoop's Community Power Tariff.

£10 goes in the pot

For every switch, we add £10 to the fund. No questions, no quibbles — we love doing it.

Groups get funded

Each year, we award grants to help community groups deliver their social impact projects.

Made possible through our partnership with EnergyCoop · Explore the Community Power Tariff →

What we fund

 

This year, we're inviting projects that deliver impact in one or more of the following areas.

A group participating in an art workshop in a bright classroom.

Winners Aldgate Solar Power's Creative Energy Club workshop

  1. Community engagement

    Outreach and participation projects that bring more local people into community energy.

  2. Environmental impact

    Work that delivers a measurable environmental benefit alongside the energy itself.

  3. Educational & awareness-raising initiatives

    Helping people understand renewable energy and its role in their community.

  4. Collaboration and partnerships

    Projects that bring different local organisations together toward a shared goal.

  5. Innovation and creativity

    Fresh, creative approaches to community energy that others could learn from.

Not sure if you fit? Previous funding has supported equipment purchases, local events and workshops, volunteer training, conference attendance, and project expansion — among many other ideas. Take a look at our past winners here.

Powering Communities Fund, in action

"We were really pleased to receive funding from Powering Communities Fund to further our work working with pupils in fun, creative ways in our schools with solar panels.

We love connecting schools with artists and scientists, and the funding allowed us to do just that. "

Jen James

Educational Programme Lead, Awel Aman Tawe

<Awel Aman Tawe Schools Workshop

Other ways we can fund your project

Sell your energy with a bespoke PPA

We buy renewable energy from over 350 community energy projects across the UK, regardless of size. One of our expert Community Renewables Managers will provide a bespoke, fair market price.

Learn more about our PPAs

Get started with our Kickstart Loan

Fast, low-interest funding of up to £1.5m to help get your renewable generation project off the ground.

Explore the Kickstart Loan

Secure extra funding through OurCoop

If your project makes a difference in your community, OurCoop's Doing Good Together Fund could help. OurCoop Family members who've used their membership card in the last 12 months can apply.

See how the fund works

Two engineers with clipboards working on solar panels.

Apply for the fund

Complete this form to register your interest in applying for the Powering Communities Fund.