Now, Essential Energy have transitioned to a more traditional grant application model called “Essential Grants” and have $150,000 available to fund local community projects that are based within Essential Energy’s network area (which covers a the majority of Regional NSW (excluding Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong and a couple of other locations nearby) and a couple small sections of Southern Queensland.
Eligible applicants can apply for funding of between $2,000 to $15,000 (including GST) for their project.
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.
Eligibility
Community Groups are eligible for Essential Energy’s Essential Grants program if they:
- are located in Essential Energy’s Network Area and provide support to communities within their 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 listed within Essential Energy’s Essential Grants terms and conditions.
Apply for Essential Energy’s Essential Grants 2024/25 program
Applications will open 10:00am on Monday, February 3, 2025 and will close 5pm on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Outcomes will be announced, and payments to successful applications will occur in May to June 2025.
NOTE: You will be required to obtain quotes from two separate businesses, or provide other proofs of the costs of works, to indicate the cost of your initiative.
Be sure to read BOTH the Frequently Asked Questions and the Terms and Conditions before commencing your application (Both are available to read now).
apply for essential energy’s essential grants 2024/25 »
NOTE: Junee Community Network WILL BE CLOSED from March 4, 2025 to March 12, 2025 — If you wish to engage us to assist with your Essentials Grant application please contact us as soon as possible, so we can allocate the appropriate resources and time to your project.