Applications remain open for SSE Donegal Community Benefit Fund
Applications for the 2026 Meentycat and Culliagh Community Benefit Fund remain open until November 17
Over €130,000 is available for projects through the Meentycat and Culliagh Community Benefit Fund.
Applications are open and will close on November 17, 2026. This year, €136,000 has been made available, and the fund has invested more than €1.7 million in local projects since 2007.
Funded by Meentycat Wind Farm, Meentycat Extension and Culliagh Wind Farm, the annual scheme is open to projects located within 20km of the wind farms, with priority given to groups within 5km. Meentycat is located in the Cark Mountains north of Ballybofey and Culliagh is located to the west of Ballybofey.
Funding is available for projects that support community development, sustainability, energy efficiency and safety. Applications that include measures to improve energy efficiency will receive additional consideration.
One group to benefit recently is CLG Ghleann Fhinne, which received funding in 2025 to install solar panels, battery storage and backup power infrastructure at its facilities.
The project has helped reduce energy use, improve reliability and strengthen the club's ability to continue serving the community during power outages, providing an important local resource when it is needed most.
"The support we received through the Meentycat and Culliagh Community Benefit Fund has made a real difference to our club and the wider community,” Paddy Doherty, Chairperson of CLG Ghleann Fhinne, said. “The funding allowed us to invest in solar panels, battery storage and backup power infrastructure, helping us improve our facilities and strengthen our long-term sustainability.
"The project has enhanced our ability to support local people and continue providing a valuable community hub. We are extremely grateful for the support we received through the fund."
Anne Reynolds, Community Development Manager at SSE, said: "We're pleased to open applications for this year's Meentycat and Culliagh Community Benefit Fund and make more than €136,000 available to community groups across Donegal.
"For almost 20 years, the fund has supported projects that improve local facilities, strengthen community organisations and deliver lasting benefits for people living close to our wind farms. Having invested more than €1.7 million to date, we're looking forward to supporting another range of projects that will make a positive difference in communities across the county."