We are again seeking to empower activities, programs or events which will help make a positive impact in South Australia in one or more of the following areas: 

• Keeping the community safe 
• Supporting our customers and community 
• Growing a sustainable SA 
• Supporting innovation for future growth 

Applications are welcome from not-for-profit organisations, registered charities, schools or community groups who are seeking support up to $5,000. 

This year we have introduced a new online submission form to make the process easier for applicants. Funding is competitive and applications will be assessed against specific criteria, including community reach, impact, beneficiaries and location. 

Applications are now open and close 5pm, Monday 17 April 2023. 

For more information and to apply, visit the Community Grants Program page. 

Previous SA Power Networks Community Grants recipients 

Hawker Area School 

Hawker Area School, a small school in the far north of our State with an enrolment of 50 students from Foundation to Year 12, funded Bikes Palya - a program for kids and communities run by Bikes SA and originally designed for the communities of the APY lands (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands). Palya means “great” in Pitjantjatjara, so ‘Bikes’ are ‘Great’. 

With 50% indigenous enrolment in the school, as well as many students coming from lower socio-economic households, the program was seen as ideal for incorporating both physical activity, healthy lifestyle, safety and physical learning in one program. Students learnt about bike maintenance, how to ride and dress safely and healthy eating. Their skills and experiences were extended with all groups breaking new ground for bike activities. 

Science and Engineering Challenge 

The Science and Engineering Challenge is an annual event which inspires and encourages high school students to take further studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects. 

Designed for Year 9 and 10 students, the day engages attendees in practical, hands-on applications of STEM through design-and-build challenge activities. The event is conducted annually in over 53 regions across Australia, including every state and territory – engaging around 30,000 students. In South Australia, 51 schools and over 1,200 students from across the State competed in the Science and Engineering Challenge in 2022. 

Aberfoyle Repair Café (pictured above) 

The Aberfoyle Repair Café is a sustainable initiative designed to offer the local community a place to fix, mend and connect. The repair café concept began in the Netherlands in 2009 and has since grown to a global movement of over 1,400 repair cafés operating worldwide. 

Repair cafés support the community to divert items from landfill, share practical repair knowledge, and reduce our collective impact on the environment. The repair café initiative also helps to build a great sense of community amongst the volunteers and visitors, providing a sense of pride and purpose. The Aberfoyle Repair Café began in May 2022, and is open every second Saturday of every month at the Aberfoyle Community Centre. 

Zimbabwe Community of South Australia 

The Zimbabwe Community of South Australia (ZICOSA) designed and constructed a solar powered, purpose-built BBQ trailer.

The trailer is fully equipped with solar panels (fitted on retractable rails on the roof), an inverter and battery bank – meaning they can power themselves no matter where they go. The 24V system consists of two lithium batteries, a 3kW Victron inverter and some balance of system components. 

The project is such a great example of sustainable innovation, with the hope that the trailer can be a model for other community groups. 

For the full list of grant recipients, go to SA Power Networks Community Grants 2022.