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.
The 2026 application period begins on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Applications are due by 5 PM Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
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 industry 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.
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 wildfires 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.
Previous Community Benefits Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the 2025-2026 grant . However, previous grant recipients are ineligible to receive funds more than two years in a row.
The CBG is available to projects and organizations focused on advancing clean energy, sustainability, and resiliency through the following pathways:
Awards will range from $15,000 to $30,000 for a one-year grant term.
Completed applications and all relevant attachments can be submitted to no later than 5 pm on September 30, 2025
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:
Awardees of the Community Benefits Grant must agree to provide the following:
Note: During this interview, CPA, Calpine Community Energy, and the grant recipients’ staff will discuss the status of granted projects and their local impact.
The Community Benefits Grant is an annual grant. The next grant opportunity will open in September 2026. Sign up for CPA’s monthly newsletter to be informed when additional grant funds will be available. Visit www.cleanpoweralliance.org/#newsletter to join CPA’s newsletter mailing list for more information.
Agoura Hills | Hawaiian Gardens | Rolling Hills Estates |
Alhambra | Hawthorne | Santa Monica |
Arcadia | Hermosa Beach | Santa Paula |
Beverly Hills | La Cañada Flintridge | Sierra Madre |
Calabasas | Lynwood | Simi Valley |
Camarillo | Malibu | South Pasadena |
Carson | Manhattan Beach | Temple City |
Claremont | Monrovia | Thousand Oaks |
Culver City | Ojai | Unincorporated Los Angeles County * |
Downey | Oxnard | Unincorporated Ventura County |
Hermosa Beach | Paramount | Ventura |
Port Hueneme | Redondo Beach | West Hollywood |
Westlake Village | Whittier |
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.
Sign up for CPA’s monthly newsletter to be informed when additional grant funds will be available. Visit www.cleanpoweralliance.org/#newsletter to join the mailing list.