The Drax Foundation has approved its latest round of funding, supporting education, skills development, environmental programmes and community resilience initiatives across the UK, the United States and Canada.
Through projects approved for funding in the second half of 2025, the Foundation will support more than 23,000 people, including:
- 10,522 children gaining access to STEM education
- 10,214 people engaging in nature-based learning and volunteering programmes
- 1,701 young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) receiving mentoring support
- 49 partial scholarships awarded to students at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- 560 UK households living in fuel poverty receiving financial support
Shona King, Group Head of Social Impact, said: “At Drax, we believe that targeted funding can make a real and meaningful difference when it’s focused on the needs of communities.
“Through the Drax Foundation and our Community Fund, we’re proud to be supporting projects that widen access to education and skills, protect the natural environment and provide practical help to those who need it most. The impact of this funding helps create opportunities, build confidence and help communities thrive, both now and in the future.”
Alongside the Foundation’s funding, Drax’s Community Fund, which supports the communities where Drax operates, has awarded grants to 74 projects globally in the second half of 2025, including 53 in the UK, 10 in the U.S. and eight in Canada. The funding is expected to benefit 9,946 people, with total Community Fund giving of £209,564 (USD $266,146 – CAD $385,597), supporting a range of local community initiatives across the three regions.
U.S
In the U.S., funding is supporting the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), whose mission is to enhance public enjoyment and use of the state’s wildlife and fisheries resources. LAWFF works closely with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to promote youth engagement, environmental education and habitat conservation.
The grant will help revitalize a popular birding trail, wildlife observation tower and welcome kiosk at LDWF’s White Lake Conservation Area, an important site for birdwatching where visitors have documented 236 bird species. The project will also support the development of new educational activity booklets for middle school students across Louisiana, encouraging outdoor recreation while teaching the importance of conservation.
Chuck Jones, LDWF Program Manager for Geaux Play Outdoors at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, said:
“I am very excited about the grant received from the Drax Foundation. These funds are being utilized to revitalize a very popular birding trail, wildlife observation tower, and welcome kiosk at LDWF’s White Lake Conservation Area.
This grant will also impact the entire state by allowing LDWF to develop new educational activity booklets for middle school students. These will introduce youth to activities like hiking, paddling, camping and birdwatching, while highlighting the importance of Louisiana’s natural resources and key wildlife conservation messages.”
Canada
In Canada, funding is supporting Scientists in School, a national charity dedicated to igniting scientific curiosity in children through hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning.
Since 1989, Scientists in School has delivered workshops to more than 11 million children aged 4-14, both in classrooms and community settings. The organisation now operates nationally, offering classroom workshops, community programmes delivered through libraries and youth organisations, and family science programmes that bring children and caregivers together to explore STEM. In 2023–24 alone, the charity reached 329,750 children, with numbers expected to increase further in 2024–25.
Cindy Adams, Executive Director of Scientists in School, said:
“Scientists in School provides high-quality hands-on STEM learning in elementary schools, which is shaping the future and building confidence in tomorrow’s innovators in Canada.
These programs are made possible by donations and grants from organizations like the Drax Foundation, that support bettering our communities and students.”
UK
In the UK, funding is supporting SKILLZ CIC, an organisation dedicated to fostering learning, wellbeing and confidence through engaging, play-based workshops delivered in schools and community settings.
SKILLZ provides bespoke mentoring and skills programmes designed to help young people build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop positive attitudes towards their future.
Sam Suttle, Director of SKILLZ CIC, said:
“Thanks to the Drax Foundation’s support, we’ve been able to deliver this mentoring programme directly in schools and completely free of charge.
We’re already seeing positive changes in students’ confidence, behaviour and attitudes towards their future. This programme is about helping young people realise their potential and giving them the tools to take their next steps with confidence.”
ENDS
Media contacts:
Kieran Wilson
E: [email protected]
T: 0772909280
