Stronger communities for a net zero future
At Drax we are committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where we operate. This is reinforced within Drax’s new Sustainability Framework with a set of public commitments to benefit the climate, people, and nature. Within the people pillar is a commitment to partner with the communities we operate in to make a positive contribution to their lives and livelihoods. This will be delivered by combining corporate community investment with hands-on community engagement and participatory decision-making processes with our local communities.
Our impact: 2024 at-a-glance
*Projected based on information received from grantees
Corporate Community Investment
Community investment is central to Drax’s commitment to be a good neighbor. In 2024 we donated $6.5 million to charitable causes in the UK, US and Canada.
Drax Foundation
The Drax Foundation is our flagship corporate community investment program. It was established in 2023 to provide grant funding for non-profit organizations that improve equitable access to STEM education, nature and community green spaces, and measures to address fuel poverty and energy-efficiency.
Applying to the Drax Foundation
The Drax Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. However, if you would like to submit an informal Expression of Interest, please contact drax.foundation@drax.com
In the first instance, please review these Drax Foundation FAQs.
Our impact in 2024
Learn more about our approach to community engagement in the Drax Foundation Annual Review 2024.
Community Fund
Each of the communities where Drax operates has unique needs and opportunities. Our Community Fund was established to support grassroots organizations and community-led initiatives with donations of $500 to $10,000. We are in the process of establishing local Community Advisory Panels (CAPs) to provide input into priority areas for funding and build relationships with local non-profit organizations and community groups.
Community Fund Focus areas:
- Education, life skills and employability
- Health, wellbeing, and safety
- Youth programs
- Essential community services
- Improving community buildings and public spaces (including green spaces)
Applying to the Community Fund
Eligible organizations wishing to apply to the Community Fund should first submit an Expression of Interest. Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions prior to submitting an Expression of Interest.
Meet some of our grantees
Working with the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to promote nature-based learning for children in British Columbia.
The Faculty of Forestry at UBC has established ‘Wild and Immersive’ to inspire children and young people to engage with and care for nature through hands-on outdoor learning and activities.
“This year’s grant will help develop a new publicly accessible trail at the Alex Fraser Research Forest. This will serve as both a teaching tool for Wild & Immersive and a safe recreational space for the Williams Lake community. We are also grateful to the Drax Foundation for their ongoing contribution to the bursary fund, which enables families with financial constraints to participate in our programming.” Mark Gill Wild & Immersive Education Program Supervisor at the Alex Fraser Research Forest (AFRF)
Working with Scientists in School to deliver STEM programs for indigenous youth in Canada.
Scientists in School’s mission is to ignite children’s scientific curiosity and encourage them to connect scientific knowledge to their world and pique interest in careers in STEM subjects.
“I wanted to thank you and Drax for sponsoring Scientists in Schools. What an excellent program! Communication has been seamless, the materials arrive well organized and individually packaged, piquing children’s interests and the lessons themselves are pure quality. The scientists, joining remotely, are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Our young students have been engaged and curious and have learned new science concepts. I hope this is a sponsorship your organization will consider continuing in future years.” – Quote from a partner school
