More than a million people have benefited from a community fund supporting environmental and social projects.

The Rampion Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund has awarded £2.1 million in grants to 237 projects across Sussex since 2017, according to its 2024 impact report.

The fund supports organisations operating between Littlehampton Harbour, Beachy Head and the A272 near Twineham.

Kevin Richmond, chief executive of Sussex Community Foundation, said: "For the past eight years, Sussex Community Foundation has been proud to manage the Rampion Fund, helping local charities and voluntary groups deliver projects that strengthen communities and protect our environment.

"We are delighted to see the lasting difference this funding continues to make across Sussex."

The fund supports projects focused on energy conservation, renewable energy, environmental improvements, nature conservation and marine ecology.

Kelvin Macleod, Acting Stakeholder Manager for Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, said: "We are proud to have supported 22 projects in 2024, with a total of £173,000 for projects ranging from community improvements and energy conservation to tackling disadvantage and enhancing well-being.

"It is very heartening to hear about the impact of this funding, and we are grateful for the excellent service provided by Sussex Community Foundation in administering the fund."

Recent recipients include Henfield Youth Club premises, which received funding for photo voltaic panels and batteries, and a creative arts hub in Brighton that secured support for energy efficiency improvements.

More information about the community fund and how to apply can be found at sussexcommunityfoundation.org/rampion.

Other funded projects include an energy-efficient pump system for Saltdean Lido, electric outboard motors for safety boats at the Arun Youth Aqua centre, and the creation of a new community orchard for the Steyning Community Orchard.

In both 2023 and 2024, the fund ring-fenced £100,000 for applications from village halls and community buildings, supporting upgrades such as insulation, solar photovoltaic systems, and new windows.

The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, operated by RWE, generates enough renewable electricity to power almost 409,000 homes -- around half of all homes in Sussex.

It also helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 600,000 tonnes each year.

More than a million benefit from Rampion fund for Sussex projects