In 2025, ESB’s Energy for Generations (EFG) Fund is marking over 20 years of making an impact in communities across the island of Ireland. Since its establishment in 2005, it has provided €1 million annually in funding and supported more than 800 projects and initiatives, with a strong focus on social inclusion through access to employment, access to education, and addressing homelessness.
With deep roots in the community dating back to 1927, we are driven to make a difference by playing our part in addressing Ireland’s challenges today. The EFG Fund reflects this commitment to positive social and environmental impact, in line with our Net Zero 2040 strategy, our sustainability leadership plan, and corporate social responsibility vision.
The fund supports projects consistent with our purpose and values, and advances UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting renewable energy generation, enhancing infrastructure resilience, enabling communities to achieve net zero, and supporting gender equality, education and reduced inequalities. Charities working in a relevant area can apply to the EFG Fund for support on a specific project, and a cross-company committee reviews applications twice a year to award funding.
“The charity sector is instrumental in bringing communities along the journey to Ireland reaching its climate targets” comments Sinead Kilkelly, ESB’s Executive Director People and Sustainability. “The EFG Fund contributes to ESB's Net Zero strategy by supporting sustainable and social initiatives. Charities are at the forefront of Irish society and will aid success in achieving these goals.”
At the event marking 20 years of the EFG Fund: Niall Hogan, Sustainability Manager at ESB; Paul Ahearne, Partnerships Lead at Respond; Edel McCarthy, EFG Fund Chairperson; Philip Kelly, EFG Committee Member; Therese Coveney, CEO of Together Academy; Conor Role, Head of Advice, Information and Day Services, Focus Ireland.
Supporting projects around Ireland
In 2024, the EFG Fund supported 62 projects across the country. Current charity partners include Barnardos, Irish Red Cross, Merchants Quay Ireland, Kinia, Learning Hub Limerick, and Rainbow Club Cork. We have also recently established two new three-year strategic partnerships through the fund: TrailblazHer, a programme through TU Dublin that advances gender equality in sectors where women are significantly underrepresented; and the EPIC programme through Business in the Community Ireland, which supports access to employment for refugees and migrants in Ireland.
By supporting a diverse range of initiatives, the EFG Fund is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities across Ireland. “The dedication and hard work of our charity partners make a hugely positive impact in the communities they serve,” concludes Sinead Kilkelly. “And this work is enabled by the passion and commitment of the volunteers who have contributed to the success of the EFG Fund over the past 20 years.”
The 20-year anniversary is being marked within ESB with two new initiatives to promote engagement with the fund and build employee awareness around volunteering and giving back to society. Read more about the EFG Fund here, including how to apply.