Community benefit funds only work when communities lead

The story of Ireland’s energy transition is usually told through technology, grids, targets and infrastructure, and Ireland has rightly set ambitious renewable energy goals.

Hitting them depends on something less technical than wind turbines and solar panels: it depends on trust and on the people whose lives and homes are impacted by the changes that come with infrastructure development. From the beginning, communities need to feel that local solutions belong to them.

That’s where community benefit funds can really make a difference.

Since 2021, we’ve distributed almost €1.5 million directly to communities, managing funds on behalf of clients including BnM, EirGrid and Soleire Renewables. Today, we support clients with a combined portfolio of more than €22 million that will be delivered to community projects across Ireland over the coming years. The money reaches everything from residents’ associations to sports clubs, drama groups to community gardens, helping to deliver meaningful, lasting improvements for local communities.

We recruit and support local fund committees, helping them develop funding strategies, assess applications and make informed decisions about how resources are distributed. Local involvement is what makes these funds succeed: we work with communities to make sure their voice is heard, so that funding reflects local priorities and delivers real value where it’s needed most.

Good intentions aren’t enough on their own. Funds need rigour too. We have extensive experience navigating the requirements of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and ensuring full compliance with all funding rules and governance standards. Our fund administrators and community support specialists work closely with applicants throughout the process, offering guidance and practical support to help projects succeed.

As fund administrators, we balance community-led decision-making with strong governance, transparency, and due diligence so every fund is managed fairly, responsibly, and in the best interests of the communities it serves.

Community benefit funds are often long-term investments, ones that can transform places and strengthen communities for years to come.

Since 2023, BnM’s Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund has awarded over €450,000. This funding has supported 41 local projects. M-CO proudly administers this fund. The following video, shot by our in-house videography team, is a great example of how Community benefit funds are key to Ireland’s renewable future.