Our communities
At Drax, we want to make a lasting, positive impact in the communities and regions where we operate. We have a long history of engaging with a range of local stakeholders, from community service organizations to parish councils and Chambers of Commerce.
This year, we have strengthened our approach to supporting our communities, which encompasses active community engagement and local stakeholder relations, and a refreshed approach to philanthropic giving with the launch of the new Drax Foundation. At the heart of this approach is a commitment to being a good neighbour and playing a positive role in our communities.
Corporate Giving
Effective corporate giving is a key pillar of our community approach and reflects Drax’s commitment to being a good neighbour and making a positive contribution in the communities where we operate. We run a grant-giving program and make charitable donations via the Drax Foundation, and the Drax Community Fund in Canada, the US and UK. This mirrors Drax’s operational footprint.
The Drax Foundation
The Drax Foundation was established in 2023 to provide grant funding for non-profit organizations and social enterprises that deliver lasting socio-economic impact in the heart of our communities. We prioritize organizations that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of local conditions, and who represent the diversity of our communities. We disburse grants in the range of up to $80,000. The Drax Foundation is a donor advised fund administered by Charities Trust (an independently registered charity with the UK Charity Commission, Charity No. 327489).
Drax Foundation focus areas
The Drax Foundation has two primary focus areas, which are underpinned by a commitment to advancing diversity, equality, equity and inclusion – particularly in relation to gender equality, indigenous communities, and underserved groups.
- STEM education and skills development
- Enhancing biodiversity and green spaces in local communities
Additional strength
- Advancing gender equality
- Supporting underserved groups and indigenous communities
The Drax Foundation is also committed to making a measurable contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have prioritized eight intersecting SDGs and will report annually on the contributions we are making to these Global Goals.
Applications to the Drax Foundation
The Drax Foundation welcomes expressions of interest (EoI) from eligible organizations. Please review our Funding and Selection Criteria and if your organization meets these criteria, contact [email protected] to request an initial EoI form.
Drax Community Fund – local direct giving
In addition to the Drax Foundation, we also operate the Drax Community Fund. This Fund makes smaller donations to local projects in the communities where Drax operates. The funding is designed to be accessible and make a tangible difference in our local communities. Donations typically range from $500 – $10,000. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Examples of direct giving
Donation to Variety BC helps children with autism
Drax has supported Variety BC with a donation of $10,000 to help with funding private autism and psychoeducational assessments in Prince George and surrounding areas.
Sponsoring the Summer Games in British Columbia, Canada
As part of our commitment to support community activities in and around our operations in British Columbia (BC), we supported the BC Summer Games, which is one of Prince George’s largest sporting events.
Replanting hurricane-damaged land in Louisiana, US
In the aftermath of hurricanes and tornados affecting Monroe, Louisiana, we provided funding for local non-profit, Ouachita Green, to support community improvement and re-planting efforts in Ouachita Parish.
Communities in Crisis Fund
Our Communities in Crisis Fund provides emergency aid in response to natural disasters, conflict, and other humanitarian crises. Most recently, this Fund has supported the Turkey- Syria earthquake appeal.
Example donations from Drax’s Communities in Crisis Fund
Drax donates $50,000 to flood-damaged communities in British Columbia
Our donation supports relief efforts, long-term recovery, and preparedness for future events for communities hit by recent floods and landslides in British Columbia
Drax donates $50,000 to flood-damaged communities in British Columbia
Our donation supports relief efforts, long-term recovery, and preparedness for future events for communities hit by recent floods and landslides in British Columbia
Providing humanitarian support for the war in Ukraine
Drax is funding the humanitarian aid effort in response to the on-going war in Ukraine. As a sign of support, we also lit up the cooling towers at the Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire with the colours of the Ukrainian flag
“Two Ridings Community Foundation provides vital support to local community groups and small charities. These grassroots projects are largely overlooked by national funders and often struggle to continue their invaluable work. With your support, we can reach the most vulnerable in our community and make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Jan Garrill, CEO of the Two Ridings Community Foundation
Skylark Nature Centre and Reserve, run by the Drax UK Community Team
