The 4 Winds charity has invested more than £80,000 into the Cowdenbeath area over the past year, according to its annual report.

Figures for the year ended 30th April 2025 were released at the charity’s AGM in Cowdenbeath this week, with Chairperson Eleanor Martin describing the organisation being “in the best shape ever for the challenges the new year brings.”

4 Winds distributes grants to good causes in the area from the Little Raith Wind Farm near Mossmorran. Nine turbines generate around 24.75 megawatts a year. The charity receives funding quarterly from the wind farm operator, RES.

A total of £83,341 was issued in the year to 35 groups in the communities of Cowdenbeath, Auchtertool, Lumphinnans and Lochgelly.

4 Winds awards by locality 2024/25:

• £27,186 – Lochgelly
• £26,370 – Cowdenbeath
• £17,285 – Auchtertool
• £12,500 – Lumphinnans

Part of the development of the charity in the past 12 months has been the launch of a Youth Development Fund, in partnership with each of the 4 community councils in a funding trial. A total of £7,500 has been invested to support young people achieve their full potential in a wide variety of fields, from academic to sporting and musical interests, with funding being managed by each of the community councils themselves.

In her annual report to Trustees, the chairperson said, “In the past year the charity has grown and developed with the wisdom and experience of new and experienced members from each of the four communities we serve.”

“I have every confidence that the charity will continue to deliver vital funding for the people of Auchtertool, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly and Lumphinnans. Thank you to the trustees for their ongoing support and to our funders, RES.”

Launched in 2013, the charity has now invested more than £800,000 in the local area from wind farm benefits.

Total 4 Winds investment by community 2013-2025:

• Auchtertool – £67,961
• Lumphinnans – £120,215
• Cowdenbeath – £263,211
• Lochgelly – £366,030
• Total = £817,417

According to the charity’s report, in every year but one (2023/24) Lochgelly has received the highest proportion of funding across the lifetime of the fund.

4 Winds meets quarterly to consider applications from community groups and organisations, with guidance and application forms available on its website here.

The next closing date for applications is: 27th October 2025

Main image credit: Mack Drone