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Energy For Generations Fund

As a leading Irish organisation with deep roots in the community dating back to 1927, we are committed to playing a role in addressing some of the key social issues facing Ireland today. Our Energy for Generations Fund sees over €1 million per year disbursed across a range of community and issues-based initiatives through a bi-annual fund to charities working in the areas of social inclusion relating to access to education as well as access to employment, and homelessness.  

 

Our fund is a pivotal element of our commitment to driving positive social and environmental impact, aligning seamlessly with both the company’s overarching strategy and its corporate social responsibility vision. The fund supports strategic actions consistent with our purpose and values. The funds initiatives are integral to advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 9 and 13 by promoting renewable energy generation, enhancing infrastructure resistance, and enabling communities to achieve net zero.  

Moreover, it fosters social inclusion in alignment with SDGs 4, 5, 8 and 10, targeting low-income and marginalised groups through initiatives aligned to access to education and access to employment. Our fund exemplifies our dedication to creating a sustainable and inclusive future, reflecting the essence of our values and our strategy, Driven to Make a Difference: Net Zero by 2040. 

Aim of ESB's Energy for Generations Fund

The aim of our fund is to maximise the impact of our social investment in disadvantaged communities, by taking a more strategic approach to effect sustainable change aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our fund also aims to leverage skills and knowledge within the company to bring about viable and positive outcomes. Only project proposals from charities delivering supports and services impacting on communities located on the island of Ireland are considered.

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Energy for Generations Fund Guidelines

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Support for Staff Volunteering

The Energy for Generations Fund provides support to our employees who volunteer within their own communities. Staff who volunteer at least 20 hours of their own time per year will be invited to apply for funding of up to €500 for their chosen registered charity.

ESB Energy for Generations Fund FAQs

Charities working in the areas of social inclusion, access to education, access to employment, and homelessness can apply to the fund. 

In line with our strategy and corporate social responsibility vision, applications should  be aligned to one or more of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and should demonstrate this in their application: SDG 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 13.  More information on the SDGs is available on the United Nations Development Programme website.

We also have an application guideline document with illustrative examples of projects that may be funded and that this is not an exhaustive list of initiatives that our fund supports. The actual initiatives supported by the our fund depend on specific project proposals and the overall purpose of the fund. Our application guideline document is available at this link. 

Twice a year, ESB allocates an amount from the fund for disbursement. The amount may vary because of the volume of applications received or seasonal considerations. Winter time and Christmas may require more funding than summer, for instance. Applications submitted during each round are appraised with funding allocated accordingly.

A set of criteria is applied against applications. "Informed by evidence", "focused on outcomes", "impact" and "opportunity for staff engagement" are areas for assessment as is "local contribution."

Only applications from registered charities are eligible to apply to the fund. 

The dates for 2026 funding will be made available here when confirmed. If you require additional information, email efgfund@esb.ie.

Please see the online application form for the fund. 

 

 

Social Inclusion: Access to Education 

We fund services and projects working to promote access to education and have a particular interest in projects that support the following:  

  • Early years and primary education projects focusing on supporting transition into education and specialist literacy and numeracy skills development initiatives.
  • Post-Primary level proposals supporting science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). 
  • Adult education supporting competency development and return-to-education programmes aimed at those long-term out of work. 
  • Inclusive education initiatives that promote sustainability.

Social Inclusion: Access to Employment 

We fund projects that focus on supporting inclusive access to employment initiatives committing to an increasingly diverse workforce and agile culture of inclusion and belonging in line with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitment. 

Projects promoting an inclusive community supporting efforts and activities aimed at helping marginalised members of society obtain work. Thereby growing a diverse and inclusive workforce of the future, opening doors for excluded groups in our communities, which consistent with our DEI commitment.

Homelessness 

We fund services and projects benefiting homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.  We welcome projects particularly relating to sustainability as well as projects orientated towards social inclusion namely access to education and access to employment initiatives. 

What is not eligible for funding under the Energy for Generations Fund? 

Funding is not awarded to / for: 
  • Individuals and individual fundraisers
  • Administrative or operating costs
  • Salary expenses
  • Third party fundraising (e.g. fundraising events)
  • High risk ventures
  • Retrospective funding
  • Community counselling services
  • Overseas work
  • Single school applications and school completion projects 

For more information regarding this funding exclusions, please refer to the Energy for Generations Funding Guidelines document.  Funding must be used exclusively for the purpose of implementing the project as stated in the application form.

 


The guideline application amount is c. €15,000. This is neither a minimum nor a maximum, rather an indication of the scale of the resources available.  Average funding awards in recent years have been c. €8,000 - €12,000 

You can apply as often as you wish.  If you are consistently being turned down you should speak to the fund administrator. If you have been frequently funded, we may wish to spread the funding and you may not be considered. It is important to note that each project will be considered on its own merits and will be considered for funding if it is worthy. 

You can contact our Fund Administrator at the below email. 

E: efgfund@esb.ie

 

Yes. Organisations are encouraged to secure independent local funding as well as applying to the Energy for Generations Fund to maximise the level of local contribution to projects and should indicate the level of the organisation's own resources that are being invested into the project.

All successful applicants are required to return a project report on completion of the project or within 12 months of receipt of funding. Reports can be submitted via our online project report form.

A complete application to the Energy for Generations Fund should include:  

  • Registered Charity Number 

  • Valid tax clearance certificate 

  • Governing Constitution 

  • Relevant Safeguarding Policies 

  • Annual Accounts 

  • Budget (excel spreadsheet) 

  • Quotes/Invoices (3 minimum) 

  • Project reports must be up to date.

Applications without the above relevant information will not be considered for funding. Please see the Energy for Generations Fund Guidelines for more information.

 

Further Reading