4 Winds Development Trust

The 4 winds trust is a community development fund established following the creation of the Little Raith Wind Farm by Kennedy Renewables.

As part of the establishment of the wind farm and in line with their planning application, Kennedy Renewables committed to reinvesting funds into the local communities in order to help local groups financially. As well as providing longer term sustainable solutions for our energy demands, by investing in community groups it is hoped that there will be a wider benefit for the people of Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath, Lumphinnans and Auchtertool.

The 4 Winds Trust are a charitable organisation (Scottish Charity Number SC043913) and was created to administer the distribution of the funds which will be provided via the Little Raith Wind Farm and is made up of two representatives from each the four community councils.

Initially £49,000 (2013) will be provided annually to the Trust, a sum which is linked to inflation, and will be paid out quarterly to various groups across the areas. We are looking to support any group which will have or has a direct benefit within their area. For example supporting youngsters grow and develop, provide activities for elderly, supporting families and so on. The funds cannot be used to substitute statutory functions and the groups applying must be open to all citizens across the four communities and are consistent with the aims and values of our trust, which are

• Conserving the local environment for the benefit of the Communities;
• supporting both community facilities and community groups within the Communities in Order to promote and encourage active citizenship and community spirit, cohesion and development; and
• Supporting or encouraging recreational and educational activities within the Communities.

Normally grants of up to £3000 can be applied for, however dependent on existing funds available more can be awarded.

If you believe that your group would benefit from an award then complete the attached application and return to 4WindsSCIO@gmail.com or hand in to Maxwell Community Centre