CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March.
The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, communities and the environment.
One organisation that received funding in the 2025 round is Repurposing for Resilience, a Eurobodalla-based local group that is giving discarded solar panels a second life through creative, community‑led reuse.
Lisa Cornthwaite from Repurposing for Resilience says the grant enabled the organisation to activate its Plate Forward initiative.
The project combines sustainability outcomes with strong community and wellbeing benefits by repurposing an original 1950’s Carapark trailer into a mobile dishwashing station.
“With the grant we’ve created a service that offers reusable cutlery and crockery, which we take out to events to stamp out single use packaging,” Lisa said.
“It might seem like a small thing, but it has a giant impact not only for the environment but also for the wellbeing of our community.”
Essential Energy’s Head of Sustainability, Sophie Cruickshank, says the program is designed to support regional, rural and remote organisations across Essential Energy’s footprint, like Repurposing for Resilience, who are already leading positive change in their communities.
“We know there are many community‑led organisations across our footprint doing incredible work in sustainability and resilience,” Sophie said.
“These grants are about giving local groups the support they need to turn strong ideas into real, on‑the‑ground outcomes – whether that’s improving sustainability, supporting the energy transition, or strengthening community resilience.” .
With a total funding pool of $150,000 for FY26, the program supports projects aligned to two key themes: energy transition, and sustainability and climate adaptation.
“These focus areas are about helping organisations use energy in smarter, cleaner ways and supporting initiatives that protect the environment and prepare for future challenges.
“We encourage eligible community groups to apply before applications close,” Sophie said.
Applications close 31 March at 5pm AEDT. For more information and to apply, visit:
essentialenergy.com.au/EssentialGrants
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