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New Hinkley Point C Funding for Communities – Available Now!

November 13, 2017

As work at Hinkley Point C continues, communities in Somerset can now apply for grants from £15 million of new funding as a result of the Hinkley Point C Project.

The Hinkley Point C Funds, which include the existing Community Impact Mitigation (CIM) Fund, have been created with money paid by EDF Energy to improve the well-being of communities affected by the Hinkley Point C development or any of its associated off-site projects. Developed as part of the planning permissions for the new nuclear power station, the funds will be administered by Somerset Community Foundation and West Somerset Council in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Council and EDF Energy. Grants will be available for community-based projects across Somerset. 

Applications can be for large or small projects but they must be directly linked to the effects of Hinkley Point C. Projects that seek to help communities benefit from the positive opportunities offered by the development at Hinkley Point C are also being encouraged.

A new website has been launched at www.hpcfunds.co.uk which provides a central access point to the grant programmes administered by Somerset Community Foundation, in addition to the existing Community Impact Mitigation Fund which is administered by West Somerset Council and has supported many community initiatives to date.

Justin Sargent, CEO of Somerset Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to launch two new Hinkley Point C Community Fund programmes which will complement the existing Community Impact Mitigation (CIM) Fund. Our new website will help to guide people to the correct programme for their proposal.

We look forward to seeing a variety of creative projects and ways of mitigating the impacts of Hinkley Point C in our communities, as well as making the most of the opportunities the project offers. These projects and facilities will help Somerset during the HPC development and will also leave a lasting legacy for many years to come.

Staff at both Somerset Community Foundation and West Somerset Council are available to advise and support groups through the application process.”

Cllr Mandy Chilcott, West Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Resources said: “There have been many organisations right across the area that have already been awarded funds from the Hinkley Community Impact Mitigation Fund and we have seen many varied and exciting projects come to fruition. I welcome the launch of the two new grant programmes and look forward to working with Somerset Community Foundation. I would urge any organisation that is looking to fund a project large or small that is linked to impacts of the Hinkley Point C Project to visit the website www.hpcfunds.co.uk for more information.  It only takes a moment to look at and could be a step towards getting your project off the ground, helping to make a real difference in your community.”

The HPC Community Impact Mitigation Fund launched in June 2014 and has awarded £3.77m, supporting 34 projects – and drawn down a further £6.2m of match-funding into Somerset, bringing real grass roots benefits to communities.

These grants awards include:

  • £19,700 to help equip a youth club in the Sydenham area of Bridgwater
  • £501,000 to the Enterprising Minehead project supporting the regeneration of Minehead Esplanade, a skills and training academy centred on hospitality and tourism and boosting economic growth. 
  • £12,500 to build a theatre style kitchen in a project that supports vulnerable young people to learn new skills in Minehead
  • £200,000 to the Victory Hall community building project in Stogursey
  • £37,000 for play and recreation equipment in Otterhampton
  • £14,500 for a Digital Inclusion and Job Club in Bridgwater
  • £1,000 for equipment for the Cricket Club in Cannington
  • £90,000 for outdoor play equipment in Stogursey
  • £18,000 for a mentoring project for students in Bridgwater linking them with local businesses

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