Transition to Clean Energy with the Rampion Community Benefit Fund.
Article by Sussex Chamber member Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-op (BHESCo)
The Rampion Community Benefit Fund is now available for organisations in Sussex looking to reduce energy costs and make their buildings more sustainable. Focused on energy conservation, renewable energy generation, and addressing climate change, this fund offers a fantastic opportunity for charities, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations to make impactful changes.
[Cover Photo] Photo credit: Nicholas Doherty / Unsplash
What is the Rampion Community Benefit Fund?
The fund is set up by Rampion Offshore Wind Ltd and managed by the Sussex Community Foundation. It supports initiatives that focus on reducing energy costs, promoting sustainability, and mitigating climate change.
For the 2025 programme, the fund will provide capital funding for community organisations who want to introduce energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to their buildings.
Who is eligible to apply?
The fund is open to charities, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations located within the Rampion ‘area of benefit’ in Sussex. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that they have their own bank account, a constitution or set of governing rules, and relevant policies (such as Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding, and Health & Safety). These organisations must also be able to show that they are volunteer-led with no financial benefit to members, as the fund is designed to support charitable causes.
This link details the Fund criteria for this year so you can see if you’re eligible: https://sussexcommunityfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rampion-Community-Benefit-Fund-criteria_2025.pdf
How much grant funding is available?
Grants of up to £20,000 are available for capital projects that will improve community buildings in terms of energy conservation or renewable energy generation. Eligible projects can include energy audits, energy-saving measures (e.g. insulation), renewable energy installations (e.g. solar panels). Projects must aim to reduce CO2 emissions, raise awareness of clean energy solutions, and provide lasting benefits in terms of energy cost savings.
How can BHESCo support you?
Energy Audits – BHESCo are approved to undertake energy audits under the Rampion Fund. We provide professional energy audits to assess your building's energy usage and recommend the most cost-effective improvements.
Application Assistance - We can help you complete your initial application, providing capital cost estimates and anticipated cost and carbon savings.
The deadline for the 2025 application window is 2nd May 2025. If you’re interested in applying or need help getting started, we encourage you to reach out to BHESCo.
Case Studies
BHESCo provided a detailed energy survey of Henfield Hall, examining energy consumption data and analysing the potential for renewable energy generation. BHESCo recommended upgrades to the existing heating system and concluded that the site was a good location for rooftop solar PV and battery storage. BHESCo also recommended a reliable and affordable local installer to deliver the work. Following BHESCo’s survey, the team at Henfield Hall applied for a capital grant from the Rampion Fund to cover the costs of their energy upgrades, which have delivered £12,000 of cost savings in just two year.
In addition to supporting Henfield Hall, BHESCo have provided whole-building energy audits for two buildings in the last Rampion funding round. This included Sight Support Worthing and Shoreham Rowing Club. The audit allowed the organization to adopt new technologies that will reduce energy costs and provide a roadmap for its carbon reduction journey. You can read the details of the project in The Argus here - https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/25014781.sussex-community-fund-saves-henfield-hall-12k-energy-costs/
If you’re interested in submitting an application for the Rampion Community Benefit Fund, reach out to BHESCo and we can assist you throughout the entire process.