A Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is a government‑mandated fund linked to RESS (Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) solar projects. These funds provide long‑term financial support to communities located near renewable energy developments.
What is the purpose of CBF?
Every RESS‑supported solar project contributes to a CBF at a minimum rate of €2 per MWh of electricity generated. Because this contribution continues for 15 years, communities receive predictable, stable support throughout the operational life of the project.
How does CBF support communities?
Funding continues for 15 years from the project’s commercial operation date, creating stable and predictable support for local communities. The fund supports local community projects, prioritising not‑for‑profit organisations and initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
How is CBF governed?
A Community Benefit Fund Committee – made up of community representatives, the developer, and the fund administrator – manages the fund and ensures transparency, governance and collaboration.
Application Process
See which community funds are open and check your eligibility.
The Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is designed to support local communities located near RESS‑supported solar farm projects. The process is transparent, structured and aligned with national guidelines for community funding.
Here’s how the CBF process works from start to finish:
The developer first appoints an independent Fund Administrator to oversee the process. This step ensures governance and compliance from the start.
Next, a Committee is formed. It includes community representatives, the developer and the administrator. As a result, local voices are part of every decision.
The Committee then identifies community needs, meets local groups and gathers insights. This collaboration helps shape meaningful funding priorities.
After scoping, the Committee sets the fund’s strategy, eligibility criteria and objectives. This creates a clear roadmap for the funding round.
The administrator creates the online hub, including application forms and guidance documents. This makes the process simple and accessible.
The fund is then advertised across local channels so all eligible groups are aware and encouraged to apply.
Community groups submit their funding applications through the online portal. This step begins the formal review.
The Committee reviews every application using agreed criteria. Therefore, all decisions remain fair, consistent and transparent.
Approved projects receive funding based on impact, alignment with community needs and available budget.
Finally, the administrator manages payments and reporting, while funded groups deliver their projects and submit progress updates.
This step‑by‑step process ensures that funding is fair, transparent and impactful, supporting long‑term community wellbeing and projects aligned with Ireland’s renewable energy goals.
