Building stronger communities for a net-zero future
Community engagement
At Drax we seek to be a good neighbour and have a positive impact in the communities and regions where we operate. To achieve this, we have a designated Community team that works closely with local community leaders and grassroots civil society.
Learn more about our approach to community engagement in the Drax Foundation Annual Review 2023.
Drax Foundation
The Drax Foundation was established in 2023 to provide grant funding for non-profit organisations that share our commitment to improving equitable access to STEM education, community green spaces, and renewable energy.
Applications to the Drax Foundation
The Drax Foundation welcomes expressions of interest (EoI) from eligible organisations. Please review our Funding and Selection Criteria. An EoI form can then be requested by emailing [email protected]
Drax Community Fund
Each of the communities where we operate has unique needs and challenges. That’s why we established our Community Fund to support grassroots activities and civil society in each of our operating communities.
Applications to the Community Fund
Eligible organisations working in our operating communities should submit an online enquiry form in the first instance Online Enquiry to Drax Community Fund
Contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Through all that we do, we are committed to making a measurable contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have prioritised eight intersecting goals where we can have the greatest impact.
Our impact in 2023
Meet some of our grantees
Working with the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) to invest in girls and indigenous communities as future STEM leaders.
SCWIST was established to promote, encourage and inspire women and girls and gender-diverse people into STEM. We are supporting SCWIST’s STEM Explore programme that delivers workshops and mentoring programmes in urban areas and First Nations.
“We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for the Drax Foundation’s generous support. STEM skills are life skills. With access to STEM knowledge, the youth of today can shape their own futures and chart a logical path in a rapidly changing world.” – Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology
Working with Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) to expand rainforest clusters in Scotland.
ACT was established to maintain, enhance and promote the coast and countryside of Argyll and the Isles by working in partnership with local communities, public sector, and third sector organisations. Our funding is helping ACT to expand their outdoor STEM learning to local children, and also establish a tree nursey as a key part of their new Woodland Enterprise Hub that is supporting the expansion of rainforest clusters on the west coast of Scotland.
“Drax Foundation funding will help us to secure a supply of native tree species to expand, restore and connect fragments of Scotland’s rainforest, and also provide great training opportunities for our Rainforest Squad!” – Julie Young, ACT CEO
Working with Energy Sparks to drive lasting behaviour change towards energy efficiency in UK schools.
Energy Sparks provides UK schools with an online energy management tool and education programmes that are designed to help schools take action to reduce their energy consumption and cut carbon emissions. Our funding is helping Energy Sparks to reach 240 schools in and around our operating communities. This is delivering up to 40% reduction in energy use among participating schools.
“Drax Foundation funding will enable more young people to understand the tangible impact that their actions have on reducing energy consumption and fighting climate change. The additional benefit is that we are helping schools to save money.” – Dr Claudia Towner, CEO, Energy Sparks
Communities in Crisis Fund
Our Communities in Crisis Fund provides emergency aid in response to natural disasters, conflict, and other humanitarian crises.
Crisis Fund donations made during 2023:
