Community benefit programme

Our voluntary nationwide scheme provides energy efficiency advice and funding for community buildings close to our projects.

Energy efficiency funding for communities

Since 2016, we’ve been working with the national charity, Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), to offer communities living within a 20-mile radius of one of our clean energy projects the opportunity to make community buildings – like your local village hall or community centre – warmer and cheaper to run.

In total, we’ve awarded 61 grants to 53 community buildings, totalling over £190,000 and saving over 85 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

We want to empower as many people as possible to take an active role in the energy transition, and our Community Benefit Programme reflects our commitment to being a good neighbour – in addition to the existing local initiatives we already operate.

Every year, we make individual awards of up to £4,500 available for upgrades like LED lighting, insulation and draught-proofing

These grants can be used in conjunction with other funding to pay for improvements that achieve the greatest impact.

For the communities that apply, we also work with CSE to deliver energy efficiency training, with the ambition to impart lifelong knowledge and skills that can be transferred to improve energy usage at home.

Applications are handled directly by CSE, and you can find out more information on the programme, entry criteria and timetable via the CSE website here: https://www.cse.org.uk/my-community/community-projects/thrive-renewables-community-benefit-programme

Celebrating wind power at Caton Moor

We talk to Benita Smith from The Victoria Institute (our very first grantee) about how Thrive's funding has helped their community.

Case study

Easton Community Centre

Thrive’s grant was used to install loft and pipe installation, creating a warmer and more welcoming space, whilst helping to reduce the building’s energy bills.

Find out more

Case study

Halton Community Centre

The centre, near to our Caton Moor wind farm, provides vital services for residents of all ages and has become a focal point of the community.

Find out more

Need help with your application? CSE will provide templates and guidance to help you identify potential improvements.

Contact the team using the email below

thrive@cse.org.uk

Looking for more?

Impact

As one of the UK’s highest scoring B Corps, we are committed to using our business as a force for good.

Responsible and sustainable investment

Thrive puts money to work building new clean energy projects and empowering people to take action to address the climate crisis.

Business ethics

The principles of sustainability and transparency underpin every decision we make as an ethical business.

Certified B Corp

We’re proud to score in the top 3% of all UK B Corps for our positive impact on people and planet.