Hal Wallis

19 December 2025

In a world where ‘more stuff’ seems to be the go-to gift for kids, many of us are looking for something that means a little more.

That’s where one of our best-kept share offer secrets comes in – the ability to apply for shares on behalf of children that become theirs when they turn 18.

Community energy shares are designed to last. For parents, grandparents, godparents and anyone else keen to give something that has a bigger positive impact than most presents, here are five reasons why community energy shares make a particularly considered gift for children.

1. It’s a gift that grows with them

In a world that seemingly becomes more materialistic by the year, a gift that keeps on giving is quite rare to find. That’s exactly what our share offer does – with a 5% target interest rate per year*, any initial investment builds up over time, maximising impact on climate change.

What begins as a symbolic gift gradually turns into something tangible: ownership, interest payments, and a connection to how clean energy is generated and managed.

Fine, it might not be the most exciting present for a child in the short term, but it’s one that literally grows in importance.

2. Every penny you spend funds more climate action

Your investment has a multiplier effect, as 100% of our surplus goes towards funding more action on climate change. The projects it supports enable us to secure further funding through loans and grants, allowing us to scale up our activities. More funding means more renewable energy, more carbon savings, and more support for local communities and businesses.

In 2024/25, we re-invested over £500,000 of our surpluses from our renewable energy installations into community benefit projects.

3. It sparks useful conversations

We’ll level with you – gifting shares probably isn’t going to warrant as excited a reaction as the newest iPhone or EAFC game, but it’s certainly going to spark conversations between you and the young person in question (maybe every year!).

It’s a great way to gently introduce conversations about climate change, finance, community and energy. You’re not just investing money – it’s also about investing time into these important topics that aren’t really taught to kids today.

4. It’s protecting their future

Many of the gifts we buy today – even when we’re trying our best – do more harm than good for the planet. According to the Environmental Investigation Agency, a whopping 105,000 tonnes of plastic wastage is created over the festive period alone.

Gifting shares in a community energy fund not only avoids material waste, but actively supports us to cut carbon emissions in Oxfordshire and beyond. In 2024/25 alone we saved 5,456 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to 18,600 passenger flights from London to Seville.

5. It’s a gift that has a tangible impact

Community energy positively impacts real, local people. For kids, seeing and asking questions about renewable energy installations on local schools, businesses and community buildings is hugely important – especially when they’re involved themselves.

The impact is easier to explain, easier to visualise and easier to take ownership of than distant companies with no obvious connection to daily life.

* Please read our Share Offer Document and supporting documents before investing. Capital is at risk; no returns guaranteed.