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Energy For Generations Fund

As a leading Irish organisation with deep roots in the community dating back to 1927, we are committed to addressing key social issues facing Ireland today. The Energy for Generations Fund disburses €1 million per year across a range of community and issues-based initiatives through a bi-annual fund to charities working in the areas of social inclusion relating to access to education, access to employment, and homelessness.   

The fund supports actions consistent with our purpose and values, advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering social inclusion in alignment with SDGs 4, 5, 8, and 10 (education, gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities).     

The fund is a pivotal element of our commitment to driving positive social and environmental impact, aligning with our Sustainable Leadership Plan. Through this work, we contribute to a sustainable future for people, fosters environmental stewardship for the planet, and enhances the wellbeing and vibrancy of place across Ireland.  

Our vision for corporate social responsibility (CSR) is stepping forward with purpose, supporting low-income and marginalised groups in the communities we serve, so that we can make a difference and have a positive social impact. Through purposeful CSR initiatives, we connect our people to our strategy and values, empowering them to make a difference. By embedding social responsibility into everything we do, we strive to build a values based, inclusive culture where our people, communities, and society can thrive together.  

Fund Details for 2026

Our fund aims is to maximise the impact of our social investment in disadvantaged communities, by taking a more strategic approach to effect sustainable change aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this fund we also aim to leverage skills and knowledge within the organisation to bring about viable and positive outcomes.

Our first funding round of 2026 will open on Monday 9th March, with the deadline for applications on 23rd March. Please read our application guidelines below for more information.

Energy for Generations Fund Guidelines

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Support for Staff Volunteering

Our employees have a rich history of giving back to their communities through local and national charities.

For ESB employees who volunteer in their communities, the Energy for Generations Fund offers €500 for their chosen charity if they volunteer at least 20 hours a year, or raise €250 for their chosen charity independently.

Energy for Generations Fund FAQs

Charities working in the areas of social inclusion, access to education, access to employment, and homelessness can apply to the fund.   In line with our strategy and corporate social responsibility vision, applications should be aligned to one or more of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - one of ESB SDG’s (7,9,13) and one of SDGs 4, 5, 8 or 10. 

The dates for 2026 funding will be made available here when confirmed. If you require additional information, email efgfund@esb.ie.

Please see the online application form for the fund. 

 

 

Social Inclusion: Access to Education 

We fund services and projects working to promote access to education and have a particular interest in projects that support the following:  

  • Early years and primary education projects focusing on supporting transition into education and specialist literacy and numeracy skills development initiatives.
  • Post-Primary level proposals supporting science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). 
  • Adult education supporting competency development and return-to-education programmes aimed at those long-term out of work. 
  • Inclusive education initiatives that promote sustainability.

Social Inclusion: Access to Employment 

We fund projects that focus on supporting inclusive access to employment initiatives committing to an increasingly diverse workforce and agile culture of inclusion and belonging in line with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitment. 

Projects promoting an inclusive community supporting efforts and activities aimed at helping marginalised members of society obtain work. Thereby growing a diverse and inclusive workforce of the future, opening doors for excluded groups in our communities, which consistent with our DEI commitment.

Homelessness 

We fund services and projects benefiting homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.  We welcome projects particularly relating to sustainability as well as projects orientated towards social inclusion namely access to education and access to employment initiatives. 

What is not eligible for funding under the Energy for Generations Fund? 

Funding is not awarded to / for: 
  • Individuals and individual fundraisers
  • Administrative or operating costs
  • Salary expenses
  • Third party fundraising (e.g. fundraising events)
  • High risk ventures
  • Retrospective funding
  • Community counselling services
  • Overseas work
  • Single school applications and school completion projects 

For more information regarding this funding exclusions, please refer to the Energy for Generations Funding Guidelines document.  Funding must be used exclusively for the purpose of implementing the project as stated in the application form.

 


The guideline application amount is c. €15,000. This is neither a minimum nor a maximum, rather an indication of the scale of the resources available.  Average funding awards in recent years have been c. €8,000 - €12,000 

You can apply as often as you wish.  If you are consistently being turned down you should speak to the fund administrator. If you have been frequently funded, we may wish to spread the funding and you may not be considered. It is important to note that each project will be considered on its own merits and will be considered for funding if it is worthy. 

You can contact our Fund Administrator at the below email. 

E: efgfund@esb.ie

 

Yes. Organisations are encouraged to secure independent local funding as well as applying to the Energy for Generations Fund to maximise the level of local contribution to projects and should indicate the level of the organisation's own resources that are being invested into the project.

All successful applicants are required to return a project report on completion of the project or within 12 months of receipt of funding. Reports can be submitted via our online project report form.

A complete application to the Energy for Generations Fund should include: 

  • Registered Charity Number (RCN)  
  • Evidence of alignment with one of ESB SDG’s (7,9,13) and one of SDGs 4, 5, 8 or 10  
  • Three proforma invoices/quotes (dated within 6 months)  
  • Detailed project budget (Excel format, highlighting ESB-funded elements)  
  • Most recent annual audited accounts or management accounts     
  • Constitution / Governing Document  
  • Annual report  
  • Up-to-date tax clearance certificate (signed by a director and dated within 12 months)  
  • Safeguarding policy (if relevant)  
If previously in receipt of funding from the EFG Fund, confirmation that all project reports have been submitted  

The Energy for Generations Fund does not cover general organisational or overhead expenses that are not directly tied to project delivery. Examples of ineligible costs include:  

  • Salaries and wages for administrative for support staff, or executive/managerial   
  • Office expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, office supplies, equipment (unless project specific), and furniture.  
  • General overheads including light & heat, insurance premiums, depreciation, and office maintenance or repairs.  
  • Administrative services such as accounting, auditing, HR, legal, compliance, IT support, or software subscriptions.  
  • Operational costs including non-project travel, meals, accommodation, general marketing/communications, and training or professional development for staff.  
  • Miscellaneous costs such as membership fees, subscriptions, or general fundraising not tied to the specific project.