It only takes one idea to create something truly incredible that has a long-lasting impact in your community. 

Our Essential Grants Program provides financial support to community groups across our network area, contributing to positive outcomes for regional communities. 

The program supports community-based initiatives that align with the following categories:

Environment

Examples include initiatives that support a circular economy and waste reduction, habitat restoration or community gardens.

Energy Transition

Examples include funding contributions for solar panels or electrifying community buildings.

Education

Examples include the investment in STEM education in schools and community organisations.

Resilience

Examples include the provision of resources that support communities affected by disaster events.

In this financial year of 2024-2025, community groups can apply for a grant for amounts up to $15,000.

Since 2018, Essential Energy has contributed more than $1.1 million to 1560 community groups, through the previous Community Choices and Community Halls programs. The Essential Grants Program continues this support, with a focus on initiatives that align with Essential Energy’s corporate and sustainability strategies.

Key dates

Applications open
10am (AEDT) Monday, 3 February 2025

Applications close
5pm (AEDT), Monday, 31 March 2025

Final decisions and payments
May to June 2025

How to apply

1. Confirm your group meets the eligibility criteria   
2. Prepare yourself with your project details, including obtaining quotes from two separate businesses to indicate the cost of your initiative
3. Complete your application via the SmartyGrants platform between 3 February and 31 March 2025.

Eligibility criteria

Groups are eligible for the program if they: 

• are located in Essential Energy’s network area and provide support to communities within our network area; 
• are a charity, not-for-profit/non-profit organisation, Non-Governmental Organisation or community group/event; and if 
• funding for activities, programs, projects or events will benefit the community and align with initiatives that support the environment, education, community resilience or are related to the energy transition.

More detailed eligibility criteria, including what types of groups are not eligible, are in the terms and conditions.

Further information

• For questions regarding the eligibility criteria or application process, please contact [email protected].
• For technical questions surrounding the SmartyGrants platform, please contact [email protected] or 03 9320 6888.
• FAQs
• Terms and Conditions