Who we are

The Northern Powergrid Foundation, a grant-making charity, is passionate about being able to support our communities where we live and work across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire. Getting the right support in place to create resilient and thriving communities through access to the right funding is crucial. 

 

So far, over 70 communities have been supported by the Northern Powergrid Foundation with nearly £1m. Most of these communities supported were those worst hit by the winter storms of 2021-22 and sought support to become energy resilient during emergency events. These communities are delivering unique and exciting projects that will have a lasting impact by enabling hubs to be self-sufficient in supporting their residents today, tomorrow and in the future. Projects include the establishment or the expansion of community hubs so that the likes of community halls and parish halls can play a vital role in keeping their community safe and warm during power interruptions with the introduction of solar panels, heat pumps and generators. 

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Our story so far

Northern Powergrid Foundation film

We recognise that we serve a varied and diverse range of communities and have ambitious and enduring plans to scale up support for energy resilience, net zero networks, and fuel poverty innovation projects. Here are some stories from those that we have supported in the charity's first year. Dipton Jubilee Centre, Stocksfield Community Centre and Upper Don Community Energy are three of the 70 rural communities that have received support to deliver their energy resilience projects.

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We can help you

Northern Powergrid Foundation is here to support our diverse communities affected by changes in the economy, environment and society because of the shifting energy landscape. Our communities can apply for grants from the Foundation to fund their community project.

 

Northern Powergrid Foundation is now open to grant applications for community energy resilience projects. 

 

To get an appreciation of the types of the projects the Foundation will look to support please read our Grant-Making Policy, check out our application toolkit, to read up on the communities that are on their way to become energy resilient during emergency events with the help of Foundation funds visit our Grants Awarded page and refer to our frequently asked questions for any queries you may have. To support the early development of your community grant applications please view the application questions. Funding round closes October 14.

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Our communities are benefitting

Graham Sinclair, Dipton Community Association Trustee said “We are delighted to receive the Northern Powergrid Foundation funding for our solar panels and battery. This will help the Dipton Jubilee Centre save on running costs and help keep hire costs low and allow the running of community events. The back up batteries will allow the centre to be open for the community in the event of an emergency and loss of power in the village."

 

Barbara Braysher, Stocksfield Community Association Chair of Trustees said: “The funds from the Northern Powergrid Foundation have allowed us to improve energy efficiency at the Stocksfield Community Centre, decrease gas consumption and reduce our energy bills by utilising the energy stored in the batteries to support the evening activities when the centre is predominantly used. Should there be a power disruption, our batteries could enable the centre to be kept open and serving local residents for 2-3 days”. 

 

Catherine Cotterill, Upper Don Director said: "Our project is providing home visits for fuel poor households to identify where heat loss is occurring and advising how to make their properties more energy efficient. Using materials funded by the Northern Powergrid Foundation we then provide free items such as draft excluders and heavy curtains to help tackle this challenge, which has been made worse in the cost-of-living crisis. We’re grateful for the support the Northern Powergrid Foundation has given us to provide this scheme, which is delivering huge impact in our community.”

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Got a community project that requires funding?

Check your eligibility ahead of applying today for resilience support from the Foundation.

Other community support available

Northern Powergrid, the electricity distributor for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, supports the community in which it serves with services offered to those that need extra advice or support in a power cut, can advise on how to prepare for power interruptions, especially during the winter months and through partners provide energy advice support.

 

Power Cut Support