Ignitis Group to support 46 community projects across the regions this year

Ignitis Group continues its active cooperation with local communities by providing financial support for their initiatives. Communities located near the company’s wind and solar farms, near Elektrėnai Complex as well as Kaunas Combined Heat and Power Plant submitted 74 applications for support this year – the highest level of engagement since the community project funding programme was launched in 2022. Based on the established criteria, 46 highest-rated projects will be funded, and the growing number of applications indicates strengthening cooperation in rural areas.

“The record number of applications shows that communities have become more active in initiating projects that have a tangible impact on locals. We notice a clear trend of growing interest in the initiatives that improve people’s daily lives and strengthen social relations in rural areas. The financial support we grant will give communities more opportunities to implement changes and continue the activities that are important to the locals. We will continue our efforts to be a reliable partner of such initiatives,” says Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.

This year's applications stand out not only in terms of their number, but also in terms of the diversity of topics. Some communities proposed infrastructure renovation or environmental cleanup projects, while others proposed social, educational or cultural initiatives. This showcases the growing community engagement and the increase in appreciation of initiatives that improve daily lives of people living in rural areas. Financial support is allocated only to the projects that best meet the programme’s priorities and receive the highest evaluation scores. By the end of 2025, the Group plans to allocate more than EUR 1 million to communities in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland.

Growing community engagement

Community engagement has been steadily increasing across all countries where Ignitis Renewables operates. In Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, residents are becoming more active in putting forward ideas to improve their local environment – from upgrading public spaces to launching social initiatives. Over the past four years, the strong partnership between Ignitis Renewables and local communities has resulted in 100 completed projects.

Lithuanian communities located near wind farms developed by Ignitis Renewables will receive funding for 25 initiatives. A total of EUR 564,000 will be allocated to communities in the Kelmė, Mažeikiai, Tauragė, Jurbarkas and Kretinga districts. This amount includes both the regular funding provided under the community programme and the share allocated to the Mažeikiai district through the generation levy model.

Supported projects reflect a wide range of community needs – from improving shared spaces and upgrading sports or cultural infrastructure to implementing energy efficiency solutions, educational activities and initiatives that promote social inclusion. Many communities seek to renovate existing facilities, create warmer and more welcoming areas for events, strengthen cultural life or encourage physical activity. These efforts show that Lithuanian communities are becoming increasingly confident in identifying local needs and implementing projects that strengthen social ties, enhance everyday life and create long-term value for the region.

Latvia recorded a significant growth in engagement this year as 17 applications were submitted compared to eight last year. Based on the evaluation scores, nine projects are expected to receive funding totalling EUR 225,000. These include a mobile youth centre serving remote areas, swimming sessions for seniors, interactive educational benches near a historical castle, as well as initiatives promoting the use of solar energy in public spaces.

Poland has also shown considerable interest as 29 applications submitted and 10 best-rated projects were selected receive EUR 200,000 in funding Polish communities are working to modernise playgrounds, install photovoltaic panels, develop sports areas, improve facilities in centres for people with disabilities and even support the welfare of stray animals. Despite differences between countries, these initiatives highlight a shared goal – creating safer, more active and more sustainable living environments.

Solutions that will improve the local environment

Other company of the Group are also planning to grant financial support this year. Communities located near Elektrėnai Complex submitted eight applications, and based on the evaluation results, financial support will be granted to four projects totalling EUR 100,000. These initiatives reflect a variety of local needs – from children’s education to energy efficiency improvements. All applicants submitted proposals to the programme for the first time, indicating growing community engagement and a stronger willingness to contribute to meaningful changes within local communities.

Communities located near the Kaunas Combined Heat and Power Plant also actively participated in the programme, submitting four applications. Funding is planned for two best-rated projects, which will receive EUR 100,000. These initiatives will provide opportunities to develop practical skills and create a safe, supportive environment for residents.

Financial support for community projects is granted in accordance with clear evaluation criteria, which also consider the potential of initiatives that deliver long-term benefits on the local environment and community life. This approach ensures that the funds reach the most mature and well-prepared initiatives and are used in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Funds will be allocated to communities by the end of this year after the agreements are signed. Ignitis Group will continue to implement this programme to promote sustainable development in rural areas and strengthen partnerships in the territories where it operates.