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Drumsurn based community playgroup encourages local charities and groups to apply for funding
Applications reopen today as ERG Community Benefit Fund reaches £360,000 for local groups
Leader of Little Rascals Community Playgroup, Marie McCrutcheon with some of the kids there.
Reporter:
Staff Reporter
10 Mar 2026 11:30 AM
Email:
news@derrynow.com
Community and voluntary groups are encouraged to apply for funding as renewable energy producer, ERG UK Holding Ltd (ERG), has reinforced its long‑term commitment to the communities within a 7km radius of the Evishagaran and Craiggore wind farms, Dungiven.
The company has provided over £360k into community initiatives over the past four years through its Community Benefit Fund, with the 2026-27 fund opening for applications 10 March for an additional £90,500.
The fund, which is managed by Community Foundation NI, saw 23 charities and community organisations receive grants in 2025-26 for a wide range of projects, including projects aimed at tackling loneliness in older people, supporting adults with disabilities, assisting those affected by addiction and promoting environmental protection.
Drumsurn based Little Rascals Community Playgroup has received funding from the ERG benefit fund for three years.
Marie McCutcheon, Leader of Little Rascals Community Playgroup, said: “We are very grateful to ERG for their continued support. As part of a rural community, access to safe and engaging outdoor spaces is so important for our children. Thanks to the community fund we have created sheltered spaces and installed a new fence, which means the children can safely learn and explore outside all year round.
“Our vision for outdoor, nature-based learning has been enhanced with the funding received and the impact is clear every day in the children’s learning and joy. Thank you to ERG for helping us nurture the children in this way.”
Melissa Falconer, Head of Business Development UK at ERG, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of ERG and that means supporting not only the clean energy we generate, but also the communities who live and grow alongside our projects. Our Community Benefit Fund has allowed us to work closely with local groups in the Evishagaran and Craiggore area and seeing the difference it makes on the ground is always incredibly rewarding.
“We’re proud to provide support to groups like Little Rascals, who are doing such meaningful work for families in a rural community. We look forward to welcoming more local projects in this round of funding and continuing to support community-led work across the area.”
Orla Black, Grants Director at Community Foundation Northern Ireland, said: “The ERG Community Benefit Fund continues to strengthen and uplift communities in the Evishagaran and Craiggore area, supporting projects that make a real difference to local people. It’s been inspiring to see the tangible impact of the funding on groups like Little Rascals Community Playgroup, who rely heavily on external funding to provide vital services.
“We are proud to administer this fund on behalf of ERG, helping to ensure that vital resources reach the groups who need them.”
The fund reopens for applications today, Tuesday, March 10. The application window will remain open for five weeks in total and will close on April 16.
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