Essential Energy grants for 2026

Turning ideas into action: Essential Grants open for 2026.

​Grants of up to $15,000 available for projects that drive sustainability and resilience across New South Wales

Essential Energy is calling on charities and not-for-profits within its network area to apply for the 2026 Essential Grants program, opening on 2 February.  Designed to spark change, Essential Grants fund community-led projects that make a real difference for people and the environment, with a strong focus on initiatives that give back and improve outcomes for vulnerable groups. 

Essential Energy’s Head of Sustainability Sophie Cruickshank says the program supports initiatives that create measurable social impact, promote sustainability and strengthen climate resilience in regional, rural and remote communities across New South Wales.  

“We know that across the footprint, there are many community-led organisations leading the way in the sustainability space. These grants give local organisations the resources they need to turn great ideas into action, whether that’s installing solar, improving energy efficiency or building resilience within their community against a changing climate,” Sophie says.  

With a total funding pool of $150,000 and grants of up to $15,000 available, the program is designed to help regional communities bring their ideas to life and create lasting benefits for people and the environment. 

Projects funded through the Essential Grants program fall into two main themes that matter to communities; (1) energy transition and (2) 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. From installing solar panels to reducing waste or improving resilience to extreme weather, the grants provide an opportunity to create lasting partnerships that deliver practical benefits for people and the environment,” Sophie says.  

Previous recipients include organisations that not only champion sustainability but also foster inclusion and create opportunities for people in regional communities.  

Applications open 2 February and close 31 March at 5pm AEDT. For more information and to apply, visit: 
essentialenergy.com.au/EssentialGrants