Essential Energy supports community groups with new funding program

06 May 2019

Community organisations as diverse as CWAs, soccer clubs or animal shelters could receive a funding boost of up to $2,500 as part of Essential Energy’s new Community Choices program.

The program is open to any charity, not-for-profit or community group within Essential Energy’s network area and sees the public voting online for who they’d like to receive a share of the $175,000 state-wide funding pool.

An Essential Energy spokesperson said community organisations were the heart of regional, rural and remote New South Wales.

“Essential Energy operates in regional, rural and remote New South Wales, and with our employees living and working in towns from Bourke to Bega, we know just how important grassroots organisations are for healthy communities.

“Essential Energy is committed to empowering communities, and through our new Community Choices program we’re asking people to nominate groups who are doing great work in their area and might need a little help.

“We’re more than just a poles and wires utility, we’re a part of the communities we serve and are dedicated to helping them thrive.

“There are thousands of organisations across our network area worthy of funding, which is why we’re asking the community to nominate and then vote for groups they think deserve a boost.

“Through Community Choices we’re aiming to rally support behind the organisations which do so much for their local area, while giving well deserved funding to more than 140 recipients across the State."

Community Choices is open to any charity, not-for-profit or community group within Essential Energy’s network area.

Nominees must be able to receive payments by electronic funds transfer (EFT), and provide photos, commentary and stories about their organisations and the work they do.

The Community Choices program includes $175,000 in funding available across 20 zones in NSW, with funding packages ranging from $2,500 to $500 available depending on votes.

Nominations for Community Choices are open until 17 May. Visit essentialenergy.com.au/choices to learn more or make a nomination.

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