Energy solutions provider SE Systems has launched a €500,000 fund to support sustainable energy upgrades in community buildings across Ireland.

The initiative aims to help local organisations future-proof their facilities through improved energy efficiency.

Under the scheme, eligible communities can apply for grants ranging from €3,000 to €30,000 to carry out energy upgrades.

These may include projects such as solar panel systems, heat pump installations or insulation improvements.

Who can apply?

The fund is open to registered not-for-profit organisations, community groups, charities, sports clubs and housing associations operating in the Republic of Ireland. Applications from private businesses, individuals, for-profit companies or political groups will not be accepted.

Applicants do not need to own the building, but must have written permission from the owner and a long-term lease in place.

Over the past three years, the fund has supported a range of projects, including Cork Cancer Support, Irish Guide Dogs, Sixmilebridge GAA Club, Barretstown Kids Camp and the Dalkey Sustainable Energy Community.

Fund

Headquartered in Cork and with offices in Dublin, SE Systems has worked on energy projects across Ireland, retrofitting over 13,000 homes and 2,000 buildings.

Established in 2022, the SE Systems Community Fund has already awarded more than €2.6m to local community projects. The fund is supported by commercial partners and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

Co-founder and CEO of SE Systems John O’Leary explained: “The SE Systems Community Fund is made possible through a unique funding mechanism developed in partnership with our commercial clients as part of their SEAI Community Energy Grant scheme applications.

“This collaborative approach enables us to redirect private sector investment into community-based energy projects, helping grassroots organisations across Ireland realise their sustainable energy goals,” he concluded.

Applications

Applications are open until Friday 18 July and must be submitted online via the SE Systems application portal here.

To apply, organisations must provide a detailed project proposal outlining planned energy efficiency measures, a budget breakdown with quotations for the proposed works, proof of not-for-profit status (such as a charity registration number) and evidence of building ownership or a lease agreement, where applicable.