How Formula E’s Better Futures Fund Is Driving Sustainability and Community Impact

Formula E, the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship, represents a unique fusion of sport and sustainability. As the only sporting event to have been certified carbon net-zero since its inception, Formula E is a powerful platform for accelerating progress towards a cleaner, greener future. 

But not only is Formula E creating exciting racing with a much smaller carbon footprint than racing events with combustion engines—paving the way for a future for motorsport that does not worsen the effects of climate change—but they have also allocated a whopping 25,000€ to each city they race in to support local communities. This initiative, called the Better Futures Fund, demonstrates Formula E's dedication to creating a positive social and environmental impact even beyond the race track.

In Season 10, due to organisational reasons in setting up the fund, only the last five race locations benefited from it, starting with Berlin, followed by Shanghai, Portland, and finally concluding with London. 

What did they support in those locations?

• Berlin: A refugee camp run by AWO, located right next to the track at the Berlin Tempelhof. The funds were used to finance more comfortable leisure spaces, sporting equipment, and other essential amenities. The money also went to Rückenwind, a bike repair shop in Berlin run by refugees and Berlin locals alike, creating connections and teaching how to repair bikes.
• Shanghai: The Shanghai Mutual Aid Foundation with their "Jia with Love" project. It provides support and guidance to kids and parents in difficult situations. It also aims to create opportunities for children to interact.
• Portland: St. Johns Center, which aims to advance equity through community building and people-centred economic development. They provide small grants to small business owners for example, promoting the job-opportunities, and providing food to residents facing poverty. Priority will be on small business owners from historically underrepresented communities.
• London: Community Food Enterprise, a charity in east London that redistributes surplus quality food from local businesses to food banks. The fund financed a new electric van to assist with the delivery of food.

In addition to financial assistance, Formula E provides volunteer support, with drivers, teams, and employees contributing their time and skills to local projects during race weeks. This combination of funding and hands-on engagement is designed to create lasting change in each host city.

For Season 11, all race locations will benefit from this funding, with local causes being selected to receive the grant. 

For season 11, the host cities are:

• São Paulo, Brazil
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• to be determined
• Miami, USA
• Monaco
• Tokyo, Japan
• Shanghai, China
• Jakarta, Indonesia
• Berlin, Germany
• London, UK

Key Impact Themes

Organisations applying for the Better Futures Fund must focus on one or more of the following key themes:

1. Empowering Underserved Communities
   Projects that provide resources and opportunities to marginalised groups, fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that all members of society can participate fully.

2. Tackling Inequalities
   Initiatives aimed at addressing economic, social, racial, and gender disparities, working towards a fairer, more equal society.

3. Community Engagement with Greener Futures
   Community-driven projects that focus on climate action, environmental education, adoption of renewable energy, and green technology innovation, helping local communities transition to a more sustainable future.

4. Environmental Protection
   Programmes that protect natural environments in urban areas, focusing on biodiversity conservation, waste reduction, and combating climate change.

The Application Process

The application process for the Better Futures Fund is designed to select projects that will create meaningful change and align with Formula E’s vision. It follows a clear, structured process:

1. Expression of Interest
   Interested organisations submit an initial expression of interest outlining their project and how it aligns with the fund’s impact themes.

2. Review & Shortlisting
   Formula E will review submissions and create a shortlist based on alignment with its values and the project’s potential to make a significant impact.

3. Full Proposal Submission
   Shortlisted organisations are invited to submit a detailed proposal explaining how the funding will be used and the expected outcomes.

4. Final Selection
   A panel will review the full proposals and select one winning project per city. While not all shortlisted projects will receive funding, Formula E is committed to exploring further opportunities for collaboration with shortlisted organisations.

Leaving a Legacy of Change

Through the Better Futures Fund, Formula E is working to create a better future for both people and the planet. By providing financial support and hands-on engagement in each host city, Formula E is helping to drive positive change in communities around the world. The fund’s focus on social inclusion, environmental protection, and tackling inequalities ensures that Formula E’s impact extends far beyond the racetrack.

If your organisation is based in one of the upcoming host cities and is working on a project that aligns with these themes, consider applying for this incredible opportunity. With 25,000€ of funding and the support of Formula E’s teams and partners, you can help make a lasting difference in your community.

For more information or to submit an expression of interest, visit: https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/sustainability/better-futures-fund

Timelines

At the time of this publication, the deadlines for the application for the first two race locations of season 11 (São Paulo and Mexico City) have already passed. Be sure to check the dates relevant to your location and begin preparations in advance if you still want to apply with your organisation.

What We Can Learn From The Fund:

The Better Futures Fund stands as a testament to Formula E’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. As the championship continues to innovate in the realm of electric motorsport, its dedication to creating a greener, fairer world ensures that its influence is felt far beyond the racetrack.

But it doesn’t just drive change on a large scale; it also offers inspiration for individuals to take action in their own communities. Whether it is supporting local causes, promoting sustainable practices, or addressing social inequalities. Making a difference doesn't require vast resources—just a commitment to doing what you can. The projects supported by Formula E prove that small steps can create lasting impact. So, why not get involved in your own neighbourhood? Whether it is volunteering, organising a local clean-up, or advocating for greener practices, you too can play a part in creating a better future. After all, change starts with small actions, and together, we can accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and better world.