Funding for Community Energy Groups
It’s no secret that community energy groups need more funding to develop and amplify projects and impact…in fact, it came out top in responses to the Barriers to Community Energy Call for Evidence in 2024.
That's why we've gone above and beyond trying to support organisations with as much funding as possible.
Which funding is right for you?
Two kinds of funding, built for different needs. Here's how they compare.

Community Energy Kickstart Loan
Fast, low-interest funding to help community energy groups bridge the funding gap during construction and get projects off the ground.
Type
Low-interest loan
Amount
Up to £1.5m
Best for
Bridging the funding gap during the construction phase

Powering Communities Fund
Grants that help community energy organisations nationwide make a real social impact.
Type
Grant
Funded by
£10 added for every new Community Power Tariff switch
Rounds
Annual
Want to hear first when funding opens? Get notified →
Kickstart Loan, in action
"We're really passionate about the positive impact of green power on our community. So we're over the moon to have got such quick access to the funds we needed to build our latest solar community energy project!"
Andy O'Brien, Co-founder
Bristol Energy Co-operative

Our funding so far
The impact our funding has made
£1.5m
Kickstart Loan, launched to help projects get built
£95k
awarded in Powering Communities Fund grants
30+
organisations supported through our funding

Powering Communities Fund, in action
"The application process was quick and easy and the Creative Energy Clubs have been an experimental way to increase renewable energy engagement."
Éva Goudouneix
Repowering London
Common questions
What's the difference between the loan and the grants?
Loans are repaid with interest, while grants are non-repayable funds.
Can we apply for both?
Yes, you can apply for both loans and grants, but they have different eligibility criteria and terms.
Do we need a PPA with Younity to apply?
Yes, you need a PPA with Younity to apply for our Powering Communities Fund, but you do not need a PPA to apply for the Kickstart Loan.
When does funding reopen?
The Powering Communities Fund opens its next round on 1st May 2027. The Kickstart Loan is not currently available. Join our mailing list to hear about funding updates.
Still have questions?
Our Community Renewables Managers are on hand to talk through your project and answer any questions directly.
Sell the energy generated by your community energy project
We buy power from over 1/3rd of community energy groups across the UK, no matter the size of the generation.
Supporting community-owned projects
We support almost 350 community energy projects across the country - and yours could be next!
Community Power Club
Power Back Community Energy
The generators we work with
Corporate Volunteering
Community Energy Kickstart case study
Powering Communities Fund case studies
Community energy blogs
Community energy events
What is community energy?
Our team