Stronger communities for a net zero future
At Drax we are committed to being a good neighbour 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 neighbour. In 2024 we donated £3.6million to charitable causes in the UK, US and Canada.
Drax Foundation
The Drax Foundation is our flagship corporate community investment programme. It was established in 2023 to provide grant funding for non-profit organisations 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 organisations 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 organisations and community groups.
Community Fund Focus areas:
- Education, life skills and employability
- Health, wellbeing, and safety
- Youth programmes
- Essential community services
- Improving community buildings and public spaces (including green spaces)
Applying to the Community Fund
Eligible organisations 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 Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to support STEM education in rural Mississippi.
BGCA have been working for more than 160 years to enable young people from underserved communities to reach their full potential through career readiness, STEM learning, financial literacy, and more.
“We are dedicated to providing equitable access to opportunities and experiences that empower youth to become the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Drax Foundation, which will increase the number of young people participating in high-quality STEM programs at select Mississippi Clubs.” Lisa Anastasi, Executive Vice President and Chief Development & External Relations Officer BGCA
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 Energy Sparks to provide energy saving tools and education for school children.
Energy Sparks’ vision is a sustainable future where schools are at the heart of action to tackle climate change. They do this by equipping children and young people with the knowledge, skills and tools to take measurable action in schools and the wider community to reduce energy consumption and cut carbon emissions.
“The schools benefiting from free access to Energy Sparks’ services through Drax Foundation funding have saved around £1 million off their school energy bills and 2,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the last year. The ongoing funding from the Drax Foundation will allow participating schools to embed energy saving behaviours across their school communities and provide more opportunities for children and young people to develop green skills” Dr Claudia Towner Energy Sparks CEO and Programme Director
