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A community energy group gathered in front of a ground-mounted solar panel array.

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.

Large factory with new solar panels covering the entire roof.
Not currently available

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

Learn about the Kickstart Loan

Teachers in a workshop in a green classroom with art on the walls.
Closed · reopens 1st May 2027

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

Explore the Powering Communities Fund

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

Read the case study

Engineers stood behind solar panels on the factory roof.

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

A group participating in an art workshop in a bright classroom.

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

See the groups we've funded

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.

View all FAQs →

Still have questions?

Our Community Renewables Managers are on hand to talk through your project and answer any questions directly.

Connie Duxbury, Senior Community Renewables Manager at Younity, smiling on a rooftop in front of solar panels.

Connie Duxbury

Senior Community Renewables Manager

connie@younity.coop

Jessica Dunning, Community Renewables Manager at Younity, smiling on a London rooftop.

Jessica Dunning

Community Renewables Manager

jessica@younity.coop

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!