Community Benefits Grant Supports Local Organizations Creating a More Sustainable California

CPA Programs

Across Southern California, local nonprofit organizations are leading the way to create a healthier and more sustainable future. Whether inspiring the next generation through environmental education, expanding access to clean transportation or creating pathways to green careers, these organizations are showing results in building healthier, more resilient communities from the ground up. 

Through the Community Benefits Grant program, Clean Power Alliance (CPA) and Calpine Community Energy are proud to support these organizations with funding that advances clean energy-related programs, invests in sustainability efforts in disadvantaged communities and furthers local equity and diversity programs that bring innovative clean energy solutions to life. 

Introduced in 2021, the Community Benefits Grant program promotes equitable participation in the clean energy transition, with a focus on communities that have historically lacked access to its benefits. Since the program’s launch, over $1.4 million has been provided to communities in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including $375K to 18 nonprofit groups last year. 

“The Community Benefits Grant helped Designing Resilience demonstrate what a sustainable community event looks like in practice. Our Design Fair on Fair Oaks was fully battery-powered with zero generators, zero emissions and zero waste,” said Heidi Adams executive director at Designing Resilience.org. “For a fire-impacted community like Altadena, that’s not just environmental responsibility; it’s a statement of intent. We are now working toward a Special Purpose Entity to give Altadena a real voice in its own energy infrastructure and future. Clean power has to mean community power.”

The Community Benefits Grant program was designed to sustain a lasting commitment to local investment. As CPA’s customer support and billing services provider, Calpine Community Energy reinvests 3% of its contract value back into CPA communities, creating an ongoing dedicated source of funding for projects that deliver meaningful environmental and community benefits. 

Together, CPA and Calpine Community Energy identify and support nonprofits whose work is helping communities thrive while advancing California’s clean energy goals.  

Supporting local communities is central to CPA’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient regions and expanding equitable access to clean energy. 

“The Community Benefits Grant has helped Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement (APIFM) strengthen Mobilizing Youth Advocates for Resilient Communities, our youth environmental justice program, by connecting youth in the San Gabriel Valley to local issues like clean air, sustainable transportation, climate resilience and community-led advocacy,” said Duke Choi, program manager for APIFM. “For our communities, sustainability and renewable energy must center health, affordability, preparedness and opportunities for young people to help shape California’s clean energy future.” 

Grants provide critical financial support that helps local organizations expand their reach and amplify their impact. CPA also provides support to Los Angeles and Ventura County communities through college scholarship and workforce job training.

The application period for the next round of community grants opens Sept. 1. Interested nonprofits in CPA’s service area can learn more about the opportunity at an online webinar on Aug. 12 at 1 p.m.  

To learn more about the grant and the application process and to see a list of previous recipients, visit cleanpoweralliance.org/cbg.    


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