Lancaster University's Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund is a beacon of hope for local projects striving to make a meaningful impact. Established 11 years ago with the foundation of the University wind turbine, the fund supports initiatives that foster community growth and sustainability. Each year, the fund allocates up to ?20,000 to Lancaster District-based not-for-profit organisations, charities, trusts, community groups or voluntary organisations and has created numerous success stories across the area.

We’re highlighting some of the successful initiatives supported by the fund, and the Fairfield Association project is a great example. Previously, the Fairfield Association received Community Benefit Fund support to replace ageing playground equipment with accessible options, ensuring that all children can enjoy the space. This year, the fund is helping again - this time enabling the replacement of rotten benches with new wooden ones, giving parents and the local community a comfortable place to sit and spend time in the park.

Andrew Brennand from the Fairfield Association, said, “We're immensely grateful to the Lancaster University Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund for helping us replace the benches at the Fairfield playground. We refreshed the play equipment back in 2024 but kept the old benches. A year later they had started to look really tired and some were rotten to the point we'd have to remove them anyway. We all know it's exhausting being a parent of young children and the benches were not the only thing looking tired! Now people can take the weight off their feet in comfort while they watch their children play."

By supporting projects like those led by the Fairfield Association, the fund continues to invest in spaces that bring people together and strengthen our community. Each grant helps create welcoming, accessible environments where families can connect, children can play, and neighbours can enjoy shared public spaces. We’re proud to champion local organisations that make a lasting difference, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this year’s improvements.

For more information and details on how to apply to the Community Benefit Fund, visit our webpage.