Community Benefits Grant Program

Community Benefits Grant Program is a grant from Clean Power Alliance (CPA) and Calpine Energy Solutions that funds nonprofit organizations advancing clean energy initiatives, green jobs, environmental education and stewardship, and energy equity in the communities CPA serves. This annual partnership program awards 9 to 12 grants totaling more than $280,000 each cycle.

Priority areas include clean energy and clean energy industry jobs, environmental stewardship, and equity and diversity in energy access. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating within CPA's service area in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, California. Individual awards range from $20,000 to $30,000.

The 2025–2026 application period opened September 2, 2025 with a deadline of September 30, 2025.

Community Benefits Grant | Clean Power Alliance Return to Clean Power Alliance Return to Clean Power Alliance Power Response Commercial Leaders How to Reduce Carbon Emissions Income Qualifed Assistance Workforce Training and Development Contracting Opportunities Our Community Advisory Committee The 2025-2026 application period opens September 2, 2025. Applications must be submitted by 5 p. m.

on September 30, 2025. This annual grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy initiatives, green jobs, environmental education and stewardship, and energy equity and diversity in the communities that CPA serves. Community Benefits Grant Application 2025- 2026 The Community Benefits Grant is an innovative partnership between Calpine Community Energy and Clean Power Alliance.

This annual program provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy and clean energy indus try jobs, environmental education and stewardship, and energy equity and diversity in the communities that CPA serves. Learn more about the grant opportunity by watching a recording of the August 13 online webinar here . The 2025-2026 application period opens on September 2, 2025 .

Applications must be submitted by 5 p. m. September 30, 2025 .

August 13, 2025 Webinar Recording Through this ongoing partnership, CPA will award 9-12 grants worth more than $280,000 to non-profit organizations working in CPA’s service area to advance clean energy, resiliency, green job training, environmental education and stewardship, and energy equity and diversity efforts within their respective communities.

Total grand funding for 2025-2026 included an additional $50,000 that was previously distributed to nonprofits working to address the immediate aftermath of the devastating wild fires in January 2025. These grants are designed not only to provide critical financial support but also to empower local organizations to expand their reach and amplify their impact.

Investing in local communities is a key aspect of CPA’s mission to strengthen regional resilience and advance access to clean energy for all. Calpine Community Energy awards the funding, while CPA develops the grant guidelines and helps engage local non-profit organizations to apply for the funding. Both organizations work together to review the applications and choose awardees.

By investing in these initiatives, CPA is fostering long-term sustainability, building stronger community resilience, and creating pathways for inclusive participation in the clean energy transition. August 14, 2024, Webinar Recording August 14, 2024, Webinar Slides View current and previous Community Benefits Grant award ees Who is eligible to receive a Community Benefits Grant?

Previous Community Benefits Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the 202 5 -2026 grant . However, previous grant recipients are ineligible to receive funds more than two years in a row. What are the priority focus areas?

The CBG is available to projects and organizations focused on advancing clean energy, sustainability, and resiliency through the following pathways: Environmental and Social Justice Communities* Education * The CPUC identified environmental and social justice communities as those where residents are: Predominantly communities of color or low-income Underrepresented in the policy setting or decision-making process Subject to a disproportionate impact from one or more environmental hazards and Likely to experience disparate implementation of environmental regulations and socioeconomic investments in their communities On the ground, targeted communities typically include but are not limited to: Disadvantaged Communities, located in the most environmentally burdened California census tracts, as determined by the 25 percent highest scores (75th percentile) when using the CalEnviroScreen tool Low-income households (household incomes below 80 percent of the area median income) and Low-income census tracts (census tracts where aggregated household incomes are less than 80 percent of area or state median income).

How much are the grant awards? Awards will range from $1 5 ,000 to $3 0 ,000 for a one-year grant term. What is the application and selection timeline?

September 2, 2025 grant opens. August 13, 2025 from 1–2 pm — Community Benefits Grant webinar. View a recording of the webinar here .

September 30, 2025 by 5 pm — All applications and relevant attachments are due. October through November — Application evaluation period December — Awardees contacted. Grant funds will be processed for distribution in December Completed applications and all relevant attachments can be submitted no later than 5 pm on September 30, 2025 What supporting documents will I be required to submit with my applications?

A budget is required as part of a completed application. Applicants can complete attachment A, or they can submit a supplemental budget. If an applicant is working with a fiscal sponsor, the fiscal sponsor must also submit the following documents: A fiscal sponsorship letter taking responsibility for your organization’s fiscal administration.

A letter of request authorizing your organization to apply for the community benefits grant for the amount you are requesting. Are there any reporting requirements for grant recipients? Awardees of the Community Benefits Grant must agree to provide the following: Eight-month post-award status report, including pictures and videos, a statement of expenditures to date, and a description of the progress of the project, as applicable.

One-year post-award interview, including pictures and videos, a statement of expenditures, and a project wrap-up summary. Note: During this interview, CPA, Calpine Community Energy, and the grant recipients’ staff will discuss the status of granted projects and their local impact. What if I missed the application deadline?

Will there be additional opportunities to apply for a grant? What is the CPA service territory? Unincorporated Los Angeles County * Unincorporated Ventura County * CPA does not provide service to the City of Los Angeles How is the Grant Program Managed?

Calpine Community Energy awards the grant funding, while Clean Power Alliance determines the grant guidelines and project criteria and helps engage nonprofit organizations to apply for funding. Both entities work together to assess grant applications. The Community Benefits Grant is an annual grant.

The next grant opportunity will open in September 2026. Customer Support: 888-585-3788 For the latest news and updates from Clean Power Alliance. We look forward to connecting with you!

Mark Hum serves as Senior Associate, Communications and Marketing at Clean Power Alliance. He is a marketing and communications strategist with a background in medtech and life sciences, where he supported initiatives spanning multiple industries across both B2B and consumer-facing brands.

His work is grounded in a copywriter’s mindset, starting with audience needs and translating complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that build trust and understanding. Mark has led integrated communications across digital, social, email, web, and stakeholder channels, with an emphasis on accessibility, consistency, and measurable impact.

He brings a strong appreciation for structure and narrative, ensuring that every message serves a purpose and connects with people in a meaningful way. Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Prapassara “Pom” Saengxuto serves as Finance and Accounting Analyst at CPA.

She is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. Throughout her career, she has worked across a wide range of industries, including public accounting, private corporations, entertainment, manufacturing, consulting and construction. This diverse background allows her to bring a well-rounded and practical perspective to every engagement.

Pom is known for her strong dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy. She works effectively both independently and as part of a team, consistently supporting organizations in making informed, strategic financial decisions. Her approach combines technical expertise with a deep sense of responsibility and professionalism.