ACDT Community Fund Guidance and Application

ACDT Community Fund – Guidance

We’re thrilled that you’re interested in the ACDT Community Fund! This fund is all about supporting and uplifting our local community at Ardrossan. Whether you’re looking to start a new project, enhance existing services, or bring people together, we’re here to help you make a positive impact.

What is ACDT Community Fund?

The ACDT Community Fund is financed through contributions from the Ardrossan Sorbie Wind Farm, developed by Energyfarm UK Sorbie LLP. As part of a formal Community Benefit Agreement, the developer will provide annual funding of £5,000 per megawatt (MW) of installed capacity over the 25-year lifespan of the wind farm.
This fund is shared equally between Ardrossan, Saltcoats, and Stevenston, with ACDT responsible for managing Ardrossan’s share — around £1,666.67 per MW, expected to exceed £20,000 per year. The fund supports projects and initiatives that create long-term benefits for the Ardrossan community.

What are the aims?

Our main goal is to benefit the communities where we operate. We want to:

• Encourage community development and active citizenship.
• Promote public participation in sports.
• Provide recreational facilities and activities.
• Support equality and diversity.
• Protect and improve the environment.
• Help people in need due to age, health, financial hardship, or other disadvantages.
• Support the arts, heritage, culture, or science.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for funding, you need to:

• Be a not-for-profit community group or organisation.
• Have legal permission to carry out your project, e.g., liability insurance (if needed).
• Show a clear link to the aims of the fund.
• Demonstrate how your organisation/group or project will benefit a community in which ACDT operates.

How Much Can Be Applied For?

You can apply for a maximum of £2,000 to be spent within a calendar year  of the award being granted.

What can the fund be used for?

The fund can be used to support a wide range of activities. You can apply for funding to start a new project, enhance existing services, or even buy items that will help your group carry out its business. Whether it’s equipment, materials, or other resources, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

What won’t be funded?

We won’t support routine costs like salaries or repairs. Generally, we won’t fund individuals unless they can demonstrate a clear benefit to the wider community. We would expect the project to be fully inclusive.

What to do if Successful?

If your application is successful, there are a few things you’ll need to do:
Spend the agreed funding within 12 months.
Provide evidence of how the funds were spent and how they benefited the community.
Agree to let us use details of your project in our publicity materials and annual reports.

How to apply?

To apply, fill out our application form and include:

• A recent bank statement.
• Your Charity SCIO Number (if applicable).
• A copy of your group’s Constitution or Memorandum of Articles (if applicable).
• Quotes or estimates for your project or items you’re asking us to fund.
• You must also declare any connections with Ardrossan Community Development Trust Trustees and members.

Application Timeline

Application Window: 5th January 20265 – 31st Jan 2026
Review Period: February 2026
Final Decision: 6th March 2026
Notification to Applicants: Within seven days of the final decision
ACDT Community Fund Showcase Event: Late March 2026

Remember, the fund only opens periodically until the fund is fully spent. Good luck!