Community Fund
The REFD Community Fund supports projects that improve the resilience of the communities of Alvington, Aylburton and St Briavels in the Forest of Dean where our two community wind turbines are located. As of 2026, the society has contributed more than £118,000 in support of projects that have benefitted our local area. Previous grants have helped community assets such as village halls and schools, have provided support to local clubs and community groups, and have assisted with financing for energy saving and sustainability initiatives.
Eligible projects should deliver clear community benefit and should show how they will enhance the resilience of their community – by reducing carbon emissions, addressing fuel poverty, improving affordable warmth, or supporting other aspects of local sustainability.
Projects do not need to be directly energy related. The Community Fund is open to projects linked to local food, sustainable transport, waste reduction, retrofit, advice, energy efficiency, community buildings, or other practical activity that can show a clear carbon reduction impact.
Applications are particularly welcomed from: community groups, voluntary organisations, charities, community enterprises, and other locally rooted organisations with charitable or community-benefit aims.
For the 2026–27 financial year, the Resilient Energy Forest of Dean Community Fund has up to £5,000 available to award as grants for community projects. Projects should typically expect grants of up to £2,500 each. In exceptional circumstances, where a project demonstrates extraordinary impact, the REFD board may award a single grant of up to the full fund value.
To Apply:
Please use either our online application form or a downloadable copy of this. The deadline for applications to the fund is 30th November 2026.
The REFD board will aim to assess and inform applicants of the outcome of their decision by 31st January 2027.
If you prefer, you can download the Word version and send it to grants@refd.coop: Download Application Form