Global renewable energy leader Drax Group has launched its new Drax Foundation which will significantly boost the grant funding it provides for non-profit organisations and social enterprises in the UK, US and Canada.
The Foundation is a key part of Drax’s community strategy, which is focussed on ensuring that the business delivers a positive impact in the communities where it operates.
Drax Foundation will fund initiatives that support education and skills development in Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM), as well as those that improve green spaces and enhance biodiversity within local communities. Funding will be available for organisations ranging from smaller community-led projects to larger grants of £50,000 for established non-profit organizations.
Priority will be given to organisations that deliver programmes for under-served and under-represented groups, advance gender equality and support indigenous communities.
Organisations and initiatives that meet Drax’s funding and selection criteria are encouraged to visit www.drax.com/community to learn more about the Foundation and submit an initial expression of interest.
Drax CEO, Will Gardiner, said:
“Launching the Drax Foundation is the start of an exciting new chapter in how we deliver positive social impact in the communities where we operate. Our ambition is to better support diverse organisations who are working hard to create the next generation of STEM students as well as those enhancing local green spaces and biodiversity.
“We are passionate about giving back to the communities we operate in and we are proud of our past philanthropic work. Alongside the new Foundation, and as part of our new community strategy, we are also going to be funding energy efficiency measures for community organisations in the UK, supporting foodbanks around the world and expanding our Communities in Crisis Fund. Combined this is a step change in the support we deliver for people, nature and the climate.”
This outlines how the renewable energy company is implementing its new approach to communities and it will also ensure that as the company grows it has an established platform to roll out and support local organisations.
