Drax Foundation has dialled up its commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development with an impressive £3.6 million distributed globally in 2024. This sharp uplift in funding is fuelling vital progress across STEM education, clean energy access, and community resilience—laying the groundwork for a smarter, greener future.
Drax Foundation, the philanthropic arm of renewable energy leader Drax Group, significantly scaled its charitable impact in 2024 by distributing a total of £3.6 million to initiatives driving social and environmental progress. This marked a 33% increase from the previous year, amplifying the Foundation’s mission to foster strong communities, enhance STEM education, and accelerate the global transition to net zero.
Miguel Veiga Pestana, Chief Sustainability Officer at Drax, underscored the momentum behind the increase: “Building stronger communities in the areas where Drax operates is the driving force behind our social purpose and reinforces the people positive pillar of our new Sustainability Framework. Through our charitable giving, we’re empowering individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive, whilst also making a tangible contribution to a sustainable future.”
The impact of the expanded funding is already being felt. Over 25,000 young people took part in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) or nature-based activities, while more than 8,800 people gained access to improved green community spaces. Drax’s support helped 2,800 UK households facing fuel poverty, easing energy costs at a time of stubbornly high prices. In addition, 262 schools benefited from upgrades such as energy-efficient lighting and solar panels, enabling measurable reductions in energy use and costs.
Altogether, 232 grassroots projects received support through the Drax Community Fund. Geographically, the £3.6 million was allocated across three continents—£2.91 million through the Drax Foundation, £695,000 via the Community Fund, and £115,000 in crisis funding aimed at rapid response for natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
The UK saw £2.5 million of the total funds, with major grants awarded to Fuel Bank Foundation, National Energy Action, and ALIenergy. These organisations are frontline responders in the fight against fuel poverty, providing immediate and long-term relief to vulnerable households. ALIenergy’s CEO, Lynda Mitchell, noted the significance of the support in areas like Argyll and Bute, where rural households often struggle with high energy costs and limited infrastructure.
Environmental benefits were also tangible. Solar panel installations at three UK schools—Kirk Sandall Junior School in Yorkshire, Abington Vale Primary in Northampton, and Barwic Parade in Selby—are projected to save a combined 2,512 tonnes of carbon emissions.
In the United States, £690,000 was channelled into local partnerships, including with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the National Audubon Society, strengthening STEM and environmental education in Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. A grant to Ouachita Green supported environmental clean-up programmes and youth internships, bolstering long-term environmental stewardship and employment opportunities.
Canadian initiatives received £378,000, including £57,500 to Scientists in School, helping over 500 children in British Columbia and Alberta gain hands-on STEM experience. Executive Director Cindy Adams highlighted the critical role of this funding in reaching underserved communities and inspiring future scientists. Other Canadian recipients ranged from lunch programmes and health services to employment training and community development, reinforcing Drax’s commitment to supporting every facet of local wellbeing.
By embedding sustainability and education at the heart of its giving, the Drax Foundation is not only investing in people—it’s engineering a resilient global future rooted in innovation, opportunity, and environmental stewardship.
