We know that communities need support to get to net zero - that’s why we’re backing energy initiatives that make a real impact and are helping to build a greener, more sustainable today and tomorrow.
Energy for Tomorrow offers grant funding, tools and support to innovative energy projects that can drive a greener, fairer future. Whether you need £20,000 to install an EV charging point or £100,000 to fund a transformative energy tool.
We are now accepting project applications for the East and Southeast regions. The deadline to apply is April 17th at 11:59 PM.
What we're offering
We’ll work closely with you and your team, making commercial introductions where appropriate
We’ll monitor, report and advise on social impact and KPI performance for the duration of the partnership
We have an extensive network of Centrica employees and experts who can offer mentoring and support on a wide range of subjects, from marketing to operations
Projects we've supported
We’ve been building our portfolio since 2015 - supporting a huge range of projects across the UK.
Meet some of our past grant awardees:
Atherton Cricket Club
From installing solar panels to help offset the cost of electricity to supporting their decarbonisation journey as they go fully electric, Energy for Tomorrow is helping Atherton Cricket Club to deliver on their mission to create a warm, safe and inclusive environment for everyone within their community.
NCRC
With the support of Energy for Tomorrow, the NCRC has been able to launch the ‘Shaping Sustainable Futures’ programme aimed at inspiring and supporting the young people they work with, helping them to develop a range of skills and learn about employment opportunities within the energy sector and supporting the NCRC’s move toward net zero.
Flutter Shutter
In 2020, Energy for Tomorrow awarded a grant to Flutter Shutter to continue developing its innovative thermal plantation shutter, designed to help homes save energy, especially those in the social housing market.
BRAG Enterprises
With the support of the Energy for Tomorrow grant BRAG Enterprises were able to make their three community sites more energy-efficient spaces, acting as examples to the wider community on what can be achieved and becoming a carbon-neutral organisation, as well as supporting their communities with energy and employability advice.
Energy Sparks
Funding from Energy for Tomorrow has allowed Energy Sparks to support 65 schools across Scotland and Wales to equip more children and young people with the knowledge, skills, and tools to take measurable action in their school and the wider community to reduce carbon emissions.
Cornwall L.E.M.
In 2018, Energy for Tomorrow awarded a grant to the Cornwall Local Energy Market trial which has created a blueprint for a smarter and flexible energy system by testing how homes and businesses can generate, store and trade their renewable energy. The project installed solar generation and/or storage units, as well as the very latest smart technologies, in 100 homes.
Eligibility
Energy For Tomorrow is seeking projects, initiatives and ideas that can accelerate the energy transition.
We want to support those who have a clear social mission; a viable and feasible idea; and can demonstrate one or more of the following:
- You or your project is based in the East or Southeast of England
-
You’re a charity, CIC, registered community group, not-for-profit or for-profit company in the East or South East of England that can demonstrate a positive environmental and social impact
-
You’re developing innovative energy solution that can reduce carbon emissions by transforming how communities manage their energy usage
-
You have an idea for an energy solution/project that is financially viable and will have a positive impact on your community and beyond
-
You’re working with individuals in the community to help them better understand their energy usage and how it impacts the environment – encouraging them to make changes for a more sustainable future
-
You’re encouraging collaboration within communities to deliver energy projects that have a far-reaching, lasting impact
Got an idea?
Whatever your idea, if you’re someone who wants to make impactful change in your community, or provide people with the tools they need to learn and support others, we want to hear from you.
FAQs
We are looking for projects, initiatives, and ideas that help accelerate the energy transition in the East and Southeast of England. We support those who have a clear social mission, a viable and feasible idea, and can demonstrate one or more of the following:
- You are based in the East or Southeast of England.
- You are a charity, CIC, registered community group, not-for-profit, or for-profit company in the Southeast of England that can demonstrate a positive environmental and social impact.
- You are developing an innovative energy solution that can reduce carbon emissions by transforming how communities manage their energy usage.
- You have an idea for an energy solution or project that is financially viable and will have a positive impact on your community and beyond.
- You are working with individuals in the community to help them better understand their energy usage and its impact on the environment—encouraging them to make changes for a more sustainable future.
- You are encouraging collaboration within communities to deliver energy projects that have a far-reaching, lasting impact.
Energy for Tomorrow supports a diverse range of projects, from installing solar panels to lower electricity costs and funding innovative new energy products to supporting an energy advisor for a local food bank. We are eager to hear your ideas on how you can help your local community transition to net zero. If you have a proposal, get in touch—our team will work with you to determine if it aligns with our funding scope and guide you on the next steps.
- If you’re interested in applying, select the ‘Express Interest’ button on the Energy for Tomorrow webpage. This will direct you to an email where you can express your interest.
- In your email, provide a short overview of your project and what you hope to achieve with the funding.
- Our team will review your expression of interest. If your project falls within the scope of our funding, we will share an application form with you.
- Our team is available to answer any additional questions and guide you through the various types of support available.
- Complete the application form and submit it before the deadline: 17th April 2025, 11:59 PM.
- After the submission deadline, our team will review all applications and shortlist projects.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their project in person to the Energy for Tomorrow grant board.
- The final selection of successful projects will be made following the presentations.
Energy for Tomorrow provides a range of support to successful grant applicants. In addition to financial support, we offer business guidance and support through our colleagues at Centrica and British Gas.
From the application deadline (17th April 2025), the selection process typically takes three months, concluding with a final confirmation of grant funding.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the 17th of April 2025.
Our history
Over the past eight years, we've been helping communities on their journey to net zero. We’ve backed non-profits, charities and social enterprises across the UK from Scotland to Cornwall, giving them the tools and funding they need to make a lasting impact in their area.
Whether that’s providing energy advice to residents in Fife (BRAG Enterprises) or making social housing in Liverpool more energy efficient (Flutter Shutter), we’re committed to building more inclusive and sustainable communities across the country.
Express your interest in Energy for Tomorrow
Whatever your idea, if you’re someone who wants to make impactful change in your community, or provide people with the tools they need to learn and support others, we want to hear from you.
Our impact
In 2011, British Gas installed solar panels onto the roofs of 268 schools, allowing them to reduce their energy bills by using the electricity they generate.
The revenue generated from this energy is used to award grants to projects that will help to tackle climate change and positively benefit communities.
14,366 tonnes of CO2
To date, the school's portfolio has saved 14,366 tonnes of CO2, with £8,112,307 in savings generated.
44 projects
44 projects or organisations in our portfolio.
£5.5 million
Over £5.5 million awarded over the past 15 years.
More about us
Energy for Tomorrow is helping to build more inclusive and sustainable communities through innovation, support and funding.
It was established with a mission to help tackle climate change and now empowers communities and social entrepreneurs who have initiatives that can deliver affordable, accessible and sustainable energy solutions for all.
If you want to know more, please contact us by emailing: eft@centrica.com
Energy for Tomorrow, and our application criteria, support Centrica’s People & Planet Plan, and its commitment to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for communities, our planet and each other.
Submit your idea
Got an idea? Express your interest here
Whatever your idea, if you’re someone who wants to make impactful change in your community, or provide people with the tools they need to learn and support others, we want to hear from you.
