Dogger Bank Wind Farm has continued to show its dedication to the North and North-East of England by granting additional funds from its operator fund. In the latest round of awards, 40 local community groups have received support from the fund.
Investing in local communities, the Dogger Bank operator fund grants support projects that enhance residents’ quality of life, create vibrant and sustainable communities, and foster a strong community spirit.
In South Tyneside, South Shields Under 10s Girls Football Team has received an operator fund grant to purchase team kit for the winter months.
Michael Johnston, coach at South Shields Under 10s Girls Football Team, said:
“The operator fund grant is fantastic news for our team. This funding will allow us to provide our players with essential winter kit, allowing us to train throughout the colder months. We are grateful to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm for their commitment and for recognising the importance of providing young athletes with the necessary resources to thrive.”
In June 2024, Dogger Bank Wind Farm announced the next phase of its community fund, committing £25 million to be used in the North and North East of England throughout the operational phase of the wind farm.
The next phase of the community fund will continue to be used to enhance science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education for young people, equipping them with the skills to succeed in a net zero world.
The new community fund builds on the £1 million community fund set up during the construction phase of Dogger Bank, which has already supported more than 36,000 young people across 204 schools, provided 62 university scholarships, and provided 87 grants to local community groups.
The funding decisions are made by a panel with representatives from wind farm joint venture partners Equinor and SSE Renewables, as well as independent participant Caroline Lofthouse from NOF. NOF is a not-for-profit business development organisation helping to make connections between national businesses and the energy sector.
Numerous other South Tyneside organisations benefited from the latest round of Dogger Bank operator fund grants including:
- South Shields Cricket Club – coach for additional sessions for young girls
- South Shields & Westoe RFC Juniors – costs of coaching and first aid courses to meet standards
- Diverse Friends – events across year for disabled people
- South Tyneside FC – kit for football club
- South Shields FC Foundation – sphero bolts for stem club coding
- Whitburn Library – upgrade heating system to reduce bills
- South Shields Under 10s girls football team – winter football kit
- Hoodex CIC – boxing ring
- Bright Futures NE – extension to summer programme
- Money Advice South Tyneside – support provision of money advice service
- Churches Together South Tyneside – promotion and volunteer retention & training
- Boldon Festival Association – finale of festival
Grants were also awarded in Redcar and Cleveland, and East Riding of Yorkshire.
Further information about the community fund and information on how to apply for grants and scholarships can be found here: www.doggerbank.com/about/community/
