The second fund from the Westfield Wind Farm Community Fund opened on Wednesday.

Around £37,000 per year will be made available to help support local projects and community groups in the Central Fife area, The fund, offered by Infinis Energy, the owner and operator of the 4 turbine, 10MW wind farm near Kinglassie, will provide around £937,500 (index-linked) over the life of the project, expected to be 25 years.

The monies are being split between the communities of Cardenden, Kinglassie and Benarty. Each area has its own local panel made up of representatives, making decisions on how the funds are to be used to benefit their area. Foundation Scotland is managing the Fund.

The Westfield (Benarty) Community Fund opens for applications on Wednesday 19th August and welcomes applications from groups who are providing activities or services for people in the Benarty community council area.

The fund for Cardenden opened earlier in the month and the remaining fund for Kinglassie will go live later in August.

Alda Forbes, Infinis’ Community Relations Manager said, “We are pleased to see the second of the three community funds now open for business.

“The current economic climate has resulted in many community groups struggling to access grant funding which makes locally managed funds like this all the more valuable to the area. This new fund has the potential for improving community life in the area and we look forward to seeing some great applications for ‘good causes’ coming through by the 14th October deadline.” Lorna Bett, from the Benarty Panel, said, “We’ve been waiting a while for this Fund to come on stream.

“The funds can now begin to be spent so if you’re a local, the criteria is deliberately broad to be inclusive of lots of different groups that are working for the good of the community.” Stephen Nardone, from the Benarty Community Council and also a representative on the local Benarty Panel, said, “The application process is simple and I would encourage any groups and organisations in the area to get their forms in before the deadline date.

”The money is there to be used for the benefit of the community so the message is -use it!” The closing date for the first round of applications is 14th October 2015. For information on how to apply and to download an application form go to the Benarty Community Centre where hard copy application form and guidelines are available or visit www.foundationscotland.org.uk/benarty