Our Community Support program forms part of our Essential Communities Sponsorship Program.
The Community Support stream of funding offers grants to community groups who make a difference in their local community.
Community Support eligibility criteria
Organisations are eligible if they:
- are located within Essential Energy’s network area and provide support to communities within our network area
- are a charity, not-for-profit/non-profit organisation, NGO or community group/event
We will consider all proposals however organisations are not eligible if they:
- are the sole responsibility of Local, State or Federal Government, however events or community projects run by committees on behalf of councils are welcome to apply
- are funded year on year by state or federal government
- provide personal bank account details
- solely support political and/or religious organisations
- involve any type of unlawful activity
- involve gambling, betting or gaming
- only support or benefit an individual or employee
Groups are also not eligible for the program if, in the sole opinion of Essential Energy, they:
- do not reflect Essential Energy’s values
- pose a reputational risk to Essential Energy
- present a safety risk to the community
- feature alcohol as being intrinsic to the running of the event
- denigrate, exclude or offend minority community groups
- create environmental hazards
- do not reflect community standards
- have narrow community involvement
- only support a sporting club or team
- are controversial or divisive
- have a or may have any perceived conflict of interest
Funding proposals will be assessed on an individual case-by-case basis. All funding proposals will be assessed and determined at Essential Energy’s absolute discretion until the pool of funding has been expended. Essential Energy’s decision is final, and no negotiations will be entered into.
Approval is at the complete discretion of Essential Energy. Applicants who receive the Community Support funding agree to Essential Energy sharing the groups’ story and the publishing of associated content and photos.
Sponsorship proposal mandatory inclusions
- key details of the opportunity
- the types of stories you will be able to provide
- list of other benefits you will provide
- outline of your target markets
- overview of your marketing plan, if you have one
- a list of sponsors who have committed to date.
Conditions of sponsorship
As part of your sponsorship from Essential Energy, you agree to fulfil requirements including (but not exclusive to);
A minimum of three of the following for sponsorships valued less than $5,000 and six of the following if valued at $5,000 and over:
- a natural link with Essential Energy’s brand positioning
- benefits that we can pass along to many of our customers. Feel free to use your imagination
- inclusion in email newsletters, or other distribution of our marketing materials to your target markets, e.g. Powerline Safety
- promotion of Essential Energy initiatives (Powerline Safety, Essential Communities, etc) in your social media channels
- direct, face-to-face access to your fans (attendees, members, etc)
- space at the event for on-site activations
- access to industry leaders and/or innovators, particularly for the creation of exclusive content
- ability for Essential Energy staff to participate in a meaningful way.
A commitment to provide Essential Energy with content:
- Community based content (images, videos, text-based stories) outlining your commitment to, and impact on your local community. This content will be shared in our internal and external communications and a key deliverable in order to maintain your sponsorship with Essential Energy is to deliver this content to us in a timely and effective manner.
Please note: Proposals that include stories will be considered ahead of those that don’t supply this option. Additionally, you may jeopardise your eligibility for future sponsorship if stories are withheld or not supplied.
Key links
Guidelines for sponsorship over $5k
Guidelines for sponsorship under $5k
Essential Energy Values
Application process
To apply for Community Support funding, please complete the online form. Your local Community Relations Manager will review the application and be in touch.
