American Electric Power Foundation Grants

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

NOTE: Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations must secure an invitation to apply by their local AEP Operating Company. Those organizations accepted for application will be directed to apply online. Requests are accepted throughout the year for consideration at regular meetings of the American Electric Power Foundation board of directors.
The AEP Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and by providing support to help meet basic needs such as emergency shelter, affordable housing and eliminating hunger.
The Foundation also supports organizations whose mission and/or programming is committed to positive social justice outcomes. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.
Focus Areas
The following focus areas will be eligible for consideration by the Foundation:
Improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education, with an emphasis in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).Providing basic human services in the areas of hunger and housing to assure that people have the necessities to build successful lives.Embracing change and equity through sustainable programs that move social justice forward.

Eligibility

To qualify for a grant from our foundation, you must:Be a 501(c)(3) public charity, a state or political subdivision, a government-owned or operated college or university, or an exempt operating foundation; andBe located within the AEP service territory or be national or regional in scope and have a purpose that is beneficial to the general public, the broad environment or the customers of American Electric Power.AEP's service territory is in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma or communities with major AEP facilities.Organizations receiving contributions must be in compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunities Act and other federal, state and local laws and regulations. American Electric Power Company, Inc., its affiliates and the American Electric Power Foundation provide donations or grants only to organizations that do not, either through constitution or any written policy, discriminate against others on the basis of political affiliation, religious belief, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, race or sexual orientation. Each organization applying for support must affirm in its funding request or in the AEP or AEP Foundation on-line grant application that it does not discriminate in this manner.Additionally, organizations must provide information as to how diversity, equity and inclusion are addressed in programming, workforce and board governance.

Ineligibility

Organizations and Activities Not EligibleIndividuals. The Foundation does not provide grants directly to any individuals for travel, study, healthcare or any other purpose.Religious organizations. The Foundation may consider grants requested by such an organization if it is an eligible organization and the grant would support non-sectarian social service activities that are available to the broad community.Fraternal and veterans organizationsPrograms that are solely athletic in nature and not connected to broader community or developmental goals.Economic Development programsOrganizations that, either through constitution or written policy, discriminate against others on the basis of political affiliation, religious belief, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, race or sexual orientation.Certain supporting organizations.