Community projects across South Tyneside can now apply for the 2026 round of the Dogger Bank Operator Fund.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is dedicated to empowering the local coastal communities in which it operates. This year, £80,000 has been allocated to support grassroots initiatives.
Community projects and local organisations can now apply for grants of up to £1,000 at doggerbank.com/about/community
Investing in local communities
The funding decisions are guided by a panel of experts from joint venture partners Equinor and SSE Renewables, alongside independent representatives from NOF, the business development organisation behind the North East’s offshore wind cluster, Energi Coast.
The Operator Fund is a core pillar of Dogger Bank’s £25 million community fund, designed to support coastal communities throughout the wind farm’s operational lifespan. In addition to this, the fund is working to enhance STEM education and develop skills for a net-zero future throughout its operational lifespan.
Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager explains:
“We are incredibly proud to continue our support for the local projects that make these regions thrive. From helping young people find their first career steps to installing solar lighting for village safety, these grants make a tangible difference. We look forward to seeing the innovative projects the 2026 applications will bring to the table.”
Bilton Hall Amateur Boxing Club in South Tyneside were successful in securing a grant. Marty Devlin from the Boxing Club said:
“We are delighted with the new Ergo boxing gloves that we have purchased with the grant we received from the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Operator Fund.
“The gloves used in Amateur boxing have to be well padded and of very good quality for safety purposes and are expensive. A lot of our members find them unaffordable so when we heard about the fund we thought it may be a good idea to apply. When we later heard we had been successful in our application we let our young boxers know and it was like an early Xmas present for them, they could not wait to wear them.”
Key Funding Details
Local organisations with a formal constitution can apply for grants to support projects that enhance the quality of life for residents near the wind farm’s grid connections and its operations and maintenance base.
Community grants can be used to enhance quality of life for local residents; contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable communities; and/or promote community spirit and encourage community activity.
How to Apply – Eligible community projects and local organizations can submit their applications via the official website here: doggerbank.com/about/community/
Located over 130km off the Yorkshire coast, Dogger Bank is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn. Once fully completed, it will generate enough renewable energy to power around six million UK homes. SSE Renewables is leading on Dogger Bank construction and delivery while Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion. Vårgrønn brings specialist offshore wind expertise to the project.
