SES Community Fund
Community Fund Summer Call
We empower communities to lead the way in Ireland’s transition to a cleaner, greener, and more energy-efficient future with the SE Systems Community Fund.
Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future
Is your community group looking to lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions? The SE Systems Community Fund Summer Call is here to help! We support non-profits, charities, and voluntary organisations in delivering impactful energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that create long-term benefits for communities across Ireland.
For Summer 2025, we are making €500,000 in funding available to help organisations future-proof their buildings through sustainable energy upgrades.
What We Fund
This round of funding supports energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including:
Building Fabric Upgrades: Improving insulation, windows, and doors to improve energy efficiency.
Energy Audits: Assessments to identify potential energy upgrade measures.
EV Charging Infrastructure: Installation of electric vehicle charging points to support sustainable transport.
Technological Improvements: Replacing inefficient boilers with heat pumps or upgrading heating controls.
Heat Recovery Systems: Systems to recover and reuse wasted heat.
Energy Monitoring: Smart systems to track and optimise energy usage.
External Sports Lighting Upgrades: Energy-efficient lighting solutions for outdoor sports facilities.
Renewable Energy Solutions: Installation of solar PV & batteries, biomass systems, and wind turbines.
Deep Retrofits for Housing Associations: Extensive energy upgrades to improve efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in residential buildings and apartment blocks.
What We Don't Fund
This fund is dedicated to sustainable energy upgrades. Before applying, make sure your project aligns with these goals.
Staff salaries or operational costs
Non-energy-related expenses
Who Can Apply?
Is Your Organisation Eligible?
Before you apply, take a moment to check if your organisation meets the criteria. The SE Systems Community Fund is here to support groups making a real difference through energy efficiency. Below is a breakdown of who can apply and what types of projects are not eligible.
To apply, organisations must
- Be a registered charity, not-for-profit organisation, community group, sports organisation, section 38 or section 39 organisation, or housing association operating in the Republic of Ireland.
- Own or operate a community building or facility that requires energy efficiency improvements.
- Demonstrate how the proposed project aligns with at least one of our core pillars.
- Have the capacity and permission to complete the project within the required timeframe.
Not Eligible:
- Private businesses, individuals, political, or for-profit organisations.
- Projects not focused on energy efficiency or renewable energy.
If your organisation wants to improve the energy efficiency of your community building but don’t know where to start, we have limited funding available towards pre-application energy audits.
Key Dates
Stages
Fund Opens
Application Deadline
Application review period
Winners announced
Date
Tuesday, 27th May 2025
Friday, 18th July 2025
July - August 2025
Week of 15th September 2025
How to Apply
Hear from Caitríona Courtney, our Community Solutions Manager, as she walks you through the steps to apply for the SE Systems Community Fund Summer Call – and get ready to start your energy efficiency upgrade journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the SE Systems Community Fund?
The fund is open to registered not-for-profit organisations, community groups, charities, and sports clubs operating in the Republic of Ireland.
Who is not eligible to apply?
Private businesses, individuals, for-profit organisations, and political groups are not eligible to apply.
Are new builds eligible to apply?
The primary goal of the Community Fund is to empower organisations to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of existing buildings. Applications for energy saving upgrades to existing buildings only will be considered.
Does my organisation need to own the building we want to upgrade?
No, but you must have permission from the building owner and a long-term lease in place.
Can I apply for funding for a project that has already commenced or been completed?
No, only planned energy upgrade works that have not yet been carried out are eligible for funding.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online via the SE Systems Community Fund Summer Call application form before the deadline specified in the application guidelines.
What supporting documents are required?
Applicants must provide:
- Information about the planned energy upgrade measures.
- A budget breakdown and quotations for proposed works.
- Proof of not-for-profit status (e.g. charity registration number).
- Evidence of building ownership or lease agreement (if applicable).
Is a completed Energy Audit a mandatory requirement for submitting an application?
An energy audit is not a mandatory requirement for your application. However, it can be a very useful tool in identifying potential energy upgrades for your building.
We have limited funding available to support organisations in carrying out an energy audit. Our in-house team can deliver these audits, and we would be happy to arrange this for you if required.
Funding for energy audits will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I submit a late application?
No, late applications will not be considered but we will keep your contact details on file for the next application round.
How much funding can I apply for?
Funding levels depend on project scope, impact, and available funds. Funding levels will range from €3,000 to €30,000. The SE Systems Community Fund does not provide 100% grant aid for projects.
Can funding be used for operational costs or salaries?
No, funding is strictly for energy efficiency improvements.
Can the Community Fund be combined with other grants?
There are no restrictions on combining our funding with other grants or funding sources.
What reporting requirements must successful applicants meet?
Recipients must provide:
- Progress updates during project implementation.
- A final report detailing project outcomes.
Can I apply for additional funding through the SEAI Community Energy Grant?
Yes, eligible projects may apply for SEAI grants, which can provide between 30-50% grant funding. SE Systems will assist beneficiaries with the application process.
What happens after we submit our application?
- Once your application is submitted, it will go through a rigorous selection process to ensure alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Evaluation Phase: All applications will be assessed for eligibility and impact potential.
- Interviews (if required): Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online interview. If selected for an interview, you will be informed by mid-July 2025.
- Decision Notification: Successful applicants will be notified in late August/early September 2025.
- Contract Sign-Off: Successful projects must complete contract sign-off once they have received a letter of offer for grant funding.
- Funding Disbursement: Grants will be delivered in staged payments, subject to agreed milestones.
* SE Systems reserves the right to amend the above timelines based on the volume of applications received.
Need Support?
We’re here to help! If you have questions, please reach out at communityfund@sesystems.ie
Please note: All queries must be submitted via email. We are unable to take phone enquiries.
Terms & Conditions
By applying for the SE Systems Community Fund, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
Eligibility & Application
- Your organisation is a registered charity, non-profit, community group, or sports club operating in Ireland.
- Your project aligns with at least one of the fund’s core pillars: Environmental Responsibility, Social Inclusion, Community Wellbeing, Lifelong Learning and Development, and Active Communities.
- You have the necessary rights and permissions to carry out the proposed project.
- Applications must be submitted online before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- You confirm that all information provided is accurate and truthful.
Funding & Use of Funds
- Funds must be used solely for the approved project and as outlined in the submitted budget.
- Funding cannot be used for staff salaries, general maintenance, or non-energy-related expenses.
Project Monitoring & Reporting
- Awardees must provide progress updates and a final project report detailing expenditure and impact.
- SE Systems reserves the right to audit projects to ensure compliance.
- Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in withdrawal of funding and future ineligibility.
SEAI Community Energy Grant
- Applicants may be required to apply for additional funding through the SEAI Community Energy Grant.
- Projects using this grant must adhere to SEAI’s terms & conditions, including the use of registered contractors.
Publicity & Acknowledgment
- SE Systems and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) reserve the right to publicise details of successful applicants and funded projects.
- Awardees must acknowledge SE Systems’ & Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) support where relevant in any promotional materials related to the project.
- All beneficiaries might be selected for a media day give an overview of their funded project for marketing purposes.
General Conditions
- All projects must be completed within an 18-month timeframe.
- If an award is declined or withdrawn, SE Systems may offer the funding to another applicant.
- SE Systems reserves the right to modify these terms, disqualify applications, or cancel the fund at any stage.
- Personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and shared only for administrative purposes.
- There is no right to appeal but we will provide feedback on project scoring, and you can apply again to the fund in another upcoming call.
By submitting an application, you accept these terms and conditions. Failure to comply may result in disqualification or repayment of awarded funds.
Scoring Matrix
The scoring matrix for the Community Fund Open Call – Summer 2025 ensures a fair, consistent, and transparent evaluation process. Applications will be scored out of 100 points with weighted criteria to prioritise environmental, social, and financial impact. This will ensure that funding is awarded to projects that create the greatest long-term value for communities.
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