Our communities

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 

Working with STEM Learning to deliver STEM education in areas of low social mobility in the UK.  

STEM Learning has a vision to deliver world-leading STEM education for every young person, helping to improve their lives and prospects. Our funding is facilitating partnerships in disadvantaged communities, providing STEM skills for 8,500 participating school children and helping to train 86 teachers.  

“We are delighted with the generous funding awarded by the Drax Foundation. The partnership will help STEM Learning’s mission to change the lives of thousands of young people by supporting teachers and introducing young people to inspiring role models and raising their aspirations.” – Gill Collinson, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at STEM Learning 

Working with Goole & East Riding Community Concert Band to start a local community concert band to bring the local community together. 

The funding from the Drax Community Fund will be used to form an inclusive, relaxed environment in which people of all musical abilities and ages can come together to play music.  

“This donation from Drax will help launch our new community group of a fully inclusive concert band for our local areas in and around Goole. The money will be used to buy musical scores, and other essential equipment for the band giving our community a place to meet, play and enjoy music, something that has been absent in the local area for a long time. Welcoming musicians of all abilities and ages, we hope to perform at bandstands and other local events for the wider community to enjoy. Thank you, Drax Community Fund.” – Roger White, member of Goole & East Riding Community Concert Band