Clean Power Alliance (CPA) and Calpine Energy Solutions are thrilled to announce the recipients of the fourth annual Community Benefits Grant program, with funding awarded to support non-profit organizations located in CPA’s service area that are working to advance clean energy, green jobs, environmental education and stewardship, and energy equity and diversity within Southern California communities. This year, additional funding was awarded to four local organizations to support relief efforts that address the recent devastation from wildfires throughout the region.
Grant applications for 2024 were more than double those of the previous year. For the 2023-24 grant cycle, $325,000 in funds was made available to 14 nonprofits advancing clean energy goals and supporting energy equity and diversity initiatives in Los Angeles County and Ventura County communities.
Supporting local communities is a central element of CPA’s mission to enhance regional resilience and expand access to clean energy for everyone.
The Community Benefits Grant is a partnership between Calpine Community Energy and CPA. Calpine awards the program funding, while CPA develops the grant guidelines and helps recruit local non-profit organizations to apply for the funding. Both organizations work together to review the applications and choose the awardees.
The grant program was launched in 2021. Calpine, CPA’s customer support and billing services provider, invests 3% of the value of CPA’s contract into our service area to support individual grants ranging from $9,000 to $30,000.
Oscar Menjivar, the CEO of Urban Teens Exploring Technology, believes that the benefits of the grant extend far beyond the financial award.
“We are incredibly grateful to Calpine Community Energy and Clean Power Alliance for this generous grant funding. This support is more than financial—it’s an investment in the future of young men of color, empowering them to realize their potential, innovate for communities, and overcome systemic challenges.” Oscar continued, “Together, we are creating opportunities that foster hope, resilience, innovation and a more equitable future.”
2024-25 grantees include: Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition, Central Coast Minority Enterprises Resource Affiliates, Center Stage Inc., Community nature Connection, Film2Future, Food Exploration and Discovery (Food ED), Nyeland Promise, ONEgeneration, People for Mobility Justice, Reel Guppy Outdoors, Tree People, Urban Teens Exploring Technology, Vision Y Compromiso and Wishtoyo Foundation.
The grants are awarded to non-profits that advance energy-related programs, and also show a commitment to disadvantaged communities, local energy equity and diversity programs, and sustainability initiatives.
Maria Lemus, Executive Director, Visión y Compromiso highlighted the impact of the grant on project planning and implementation.
“Climate change and extreme heat have significant health and economic consequences for low-income and immigrant communities. As Local Climate Stewards, promotoras will engage with Ventura County residents to amplify their needs and voices, reduce health disparities linked to extreme heat and climate change, and foster a better understanding of the underlying causes of environmental inequity. Together, they will help prepare the region for future extreme weather events.”
In support of wildlife relief efforts, CPA and Calpine Community Energy have dedicated $50,000 to organizations in Los Angeles County and Ventura County communities. Funds designated for immediate wildfire relief will be allocated to the Rotary Club of Altadena, the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, the Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness and the Ventura County Community Foundation.
In addition to grant funding, CPA supports the communities it serves through various programs that offer customers both cost savings and energy-saving opportunities. Together these programs promote healthier communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create green jobs. Learn more about these CPA programs at cleanpoweralliance.org/programs.
The next round of Community Benefits Grant Program applications will open in the fall of 2025.
To learn more about the grant and the application process, visit cleanpoweralliance.org/cbg.
