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.
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.
Applications for this year have now closed, and the review process is underway. Successful candidates will be announced and payments made before 30 June 2025.
This financial year, 2024-2025, we will contribute $150,000 in grants to community groups in our network area, with amounts up to $15,000 funded to each successful applicant.
Essential Grants 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.
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 our Essential Grants program, please contact [email protected].
- FAQs
- Terms and Conditions
