The Baywind Energy Community Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £176,320
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 6 months
• Grant Range: £200 - £20,000+
• Geographic Focus: South Cumbria (priority near Harlock Hill wind farm)

Contact Details

Website: www.bwect.org.uk

Phone: 01229 821028

Email: info@bwect.org.uk

Address: Unit 26 Trinity Enterprise Centre, Furness Business Park, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2PN

Overview

The Baywind Energy Community Trust (BWECT) was established in 1998 as a voluntary planning condition for the Harlock Hill wind farm near Ulverston. Since 1999, the Trust has distributed grants totaling over £1 million to South Cumbria communities for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and fuel poverty relief projects. With annual income of £177,152 (2024-25), BWECT is funded primarily by profits from High Winds Community Energy Society and Mean Moor wind farm. The Trust won the 2004 National Social Enterprise Award for its innovative approach to community-owned renewable energy. Recent funding increases have expanded their geographic reach beyond immediate wind farm parishes to support wider South Cumbria communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Main Grant Program: £200 - £20,000+ (rolling basis, assessed every 6 months)
• Long-term Core Funding: Available for qualifying local organisations

Priority Areas

Applications must meet one of two charitable objectives:

• Solar PV installations
• LED lighting upgrades
• Heat pumps and efficient heating systems
• Insulation and double glazing
• Renewable energy awareness projects

• Home energy improvements for individuals in financial hardship
• Efficient heating systems
• Energy-saving measures

What They Don't Fund

Projects outside environmental/energy conservation or fuel poverty relief objectives are not eligible.

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust operates with seven trustees:

• 3 local residents from parishes near the wind farm
• 2 directors from Baywind Energy Co-operative
• 2 directors from High Winds Community Energy Society

Named trustees include Richard (Chairman and Baywind founder member) and Annette (Company Secretary for Baywind Energy Co-operative).

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Online Form: https://bwect.org.uk/funding-application-form/
• Downloadable Word Document: Available for postal submission
• Requirements: Two quotes, detailed cost breakdown, clear alignment with charitable objectives

Decision Timeline

• Applications acknowledged within 21 days
• Assessed at least every 6 months
• Trust meets three times annually for grant awards

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, though consistent grant-making history shows regular awards across diverse project types.

Reapplication Policy

Not documented - contact Trust directly at 01229 821028 for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on funded projects analysis:

• Clear charitable alignment: Explicitly state which objective (environmental or fuel poverty) your project addresses
• Geographic proximity: Emphasize South Cumbria location, especially nearness to Harlock Hill/Pennington
• Proven technologies: Solar PV and LED projects receive substantial funding
• Community facilities: Schools, village halls, churches, sports clubs feature prominently in awards
• Professional documentation: Include two quotes and detailed cost breakdowns
• Tangible outcomes: Focus on practical energy solutions rather than abstract initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geography matters most: South Cumbria only, with Harlock Hill proximity giving competitive advantage
• Binary funding criteria: Must fit environmental conservation OR fuel poverty relief - no other objectives funded
• Solar is golden: Solar PV installations dominate recent grants - proven technology the Trust trusts
• Patient process: 6-month assessment cycles mean planning ahead is essential
• Wide funding range: Don't self-limit - £200 home improvements to £20,000+ installations all considered
• Community infrastructure wins: Village halls, schools, churches consistently receive support
• Call them: With 21-day acknowledgment promise and direct phone line, they're approachable for pre-application guidance

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund
• The Rothley Trust
• National Grid Community Matters
• East Coast Community Fund
• The Northern Powergrid Foundation
• The Sussex Community Foundation
• DJ Sidebottom/Glasdon Charitable Programme
• The Anchor Society CIO
• Focus Foundation
• THE ROSE FOUNDATION

References

1. Baywind Energy Community Trust Official Website - About Us. https://bwect.org.uk/about-us/
2. Baywind Energy Community Trust - Grants Information. https://bwect.org.uk/grants/
3. The Charity Commission - BWECT (1185599). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1185599
4. BWECT Funding Application Form. https://bwect.org.uk/funding-application-form/
5. BWECT History of Grant Awards. https://bwect.org.uk/history-of-grant-awards/
6. BWECT Projects We Support. https://bwect.org.uk/projects-we-support/