British Gas Energy Trust

The British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charity established in 2004 and solely funded by British Gas, tackles fuel poverty and financial hardship across England, Scotland, and Wales. Its mission is to help low-income and vulnerable households meet energy needs and manage costs, guided by values of kindness, empathy, respect, innovation, agility, and collaboration. Governed by expert trustees, it employs an evidence-driven, collective impact approach, empowering partners for local solutions while prioritizing measurable outcomes, with over £198 million invested to support 700,000+ people and a £5.50 societal return per £1 spent.

It funds direct household grants for energy debt relief (up to £2,000, credited to suppliers), emergency vouchers, essential white goods, and extensive money/energy advice projects via third-sector partners. Priorities target those in acute need—at risk of energy exclusion—with activities including debt write-offs, budgeting education, capacity building for advice providers, and outreach in communities, often partnering with Citizens Advice and local welfare groups.

Unsolicited applications are accepted only from individuals (rolling basis via online portal, requiring recent money advice evidence, income proof, and meter readings; outcomes in 4-8 weeks; portal may close anytime). Charities must be UK-registered with £100,000+ income, operating regionally/nationally in fuel poverty/debt relief; organisational funding (£40,000–£150,000) is invite-only via strategic partnerships. Excludes Northern Ireland, cash payments, unrestricted/core grants to charities, and non-advice-led activities; uniquely supplier-agnostic, focused solely on energy poverty with Net Zero evolution for vulnerable groups.