Our Community Support Program helps bring people together by supporting local groups, events and initiatives that strengthen community connection across our network area.
We’re proud to support the people and organisations who help make regional, rural and remote communities feel connected, inclusive and welcoming. From local events and volunteer-led projects to cultural celebrations and wellbeing initiatives, we’re looking for opportunities that help people participate, contribute and feel they belong.
What we support
We welcome applications for grass-roots activities that create positive, practical outcomes for local communities. This may include initiatives that:
- create opportunities for people to come together, participate and build social connection
- strengthen community identity, pride and cohesion
- support inclusion, accessibility and participation for diverse community members
- build local capacity through volunteering, skills sharing or community-led action
- deliver broad community benefit within Essential Energy’s network area.
Who can apply?
We encourage applications from community-minded organisations and groups that are working to create meaningful local benefit. To be eligible, organisations, events or initiatives must:
- be located within Essential Energy’s network distribution area
- be a registered charity, not-for-profit organisation or community group
- provide support or benefit to communities within Essential Energy’s network distribution area
- demonstrate broad community involvement or benefit.
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We're unable to support some organisations or activities through this program.
- are located outside Essential Energy’s network distribution area
- are the sole responsibility of Local, State or Federal Government
- receive recurring government grants, such as SES, RFS or VRA funding
- provide personal bank account details
- do not reflect Essential Energy’s values
- involve unlawful activity, gambling, betting or gaming
- feature alcohol in the name of the event or promote alcohol as intrinsic to the event
- solely support political or religious organisations
- are controversial, divisive or present a safety risk to the community
- denigrate, exclude or offend minority community groups
- create environmental hazards or do not reflect community standards
- only support or benefit an individual
- only support a sporting club or team
- have, or may have, a perceived conflict of interest.
All applications are carefully considered, with approval at Essential Energy’s discretion.
What do I need to apply?
To help us understand your request and the difference it could make, please include:
- the name and details of your project, event or initiative
- the amount of funding you are seeking
- who the initiative will support or engage
- how the initiative will strengthen community connection, inclusion or cohesion
- the expected community benefit or impact
- how Essential Energy’s support will be recognised or promoted
- whether you can provide photos, videos, stories or other content that shows the impact of the support
- any other sponsors or supporters confirmed to date.
Conditions of support
If your application is successful, we’ll ask you to recognise Essential Energy’s support and help us share the story of your project, event or initiative. This may include acknowledging Essential Energy in publicity or promotional material, sharing photos or videos, providing a short story about the impact of the funding, or creating opportunities for Essential Energy staff to be involved where appropriate.
By accepting Community Support funding, applicants agree that Essential Energy may share their group’s story and publish associated content and photos in internal and external communications.
Essential Energy is unable to provide in-kind support that is a contestable distribution service, including the provision of goods or services that may breach electricity ring-fencing guidelines. For this reason, we’re unable to consider requests for in-kind support of this nature.
How to apply
When you’re ready, complete the online application form. Your local Community Relations team will review your application and get in touch.
