In addition to being awarded funding, every applicant that applies to start or expand an idea in their community will receive a range of supports including:

• A 5 step starter guide for your chosen project


• Free tech tools & website to help get your project started and manage your group


• Advice & support via email and phone

The Monaincha Wind Farm Community Fund is open to existing groups and individuals (once they form a team) to start new projects, or expand an existing project, in their community.

The project must address at least one of the following themes: Energy, Health & Wellbeing, Sports & Recreation, Culture & Heritage, Sustainability & Environment, and Education & Access.

Examples of eligible groups include schools, universities, colleges, daycares, hospitals and hospital rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, community gardens, neighbourhood groups, senior citizen centers, community centers, and recognized government entities. 

The project must take place within a 10km radius of Monaincha Wind Farm, County Laois

There is a total fund of €18,000 available to help support communities to start a new project or expand an existing project. For new projects, each applicant who successfully completes a 30 Day Challenge and an Impact Challenge will receive funding to help get their selected project off the ground.

The steps to complete the 30 Day Challenge include:

• Scheduling a 15 min call with one of the ChangeX team


• Recruiting 4 team members people to join your page


• Hosting a casual kick-off meeting


• Sharing a team photo (or screenshot from virtual meeting) & a short action plan (including a COVID plan)

For existing projects, there will be an initial review process, and those applications that best fit the criteria will be allocated funding and entered into the 30 Day Challenge process above.