Funding: up to $15,000
Next round: opens 2 February 2026
Purpose
Our Essential Grants Program provides financial support to community groups across our network area, contributing to positive outcomes for regional communities.
Overview
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.
Last financial year, 2024-2025, we contributed $150,000 in grants to community groups in our network area, with amounts up to $15,000 funded to each successful applicant.
For more information: https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/about-us/community-support/Essential-Grants
Apply Using SmartyGrants: https://www.fundingcentre.com.au/grant/G19953/apply
Limitations
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.
