Community Clean Energy Grant Program

Community Clean Energy Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: San Diego Community Power
Amount: US $25,000 - US $100,000
Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Summary

The Community Clean Energy Grant Program, launched by San Diego Community Power (SDCP) in March 2023, aims to fund local clean energy projects through grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Partnering with the San Diego Foundation, the program will distribute over $1 million to enhance community resilience and promote sustainable energy solutions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits with proven community service experience. Grant funds must be utilized within 24 months to ensure timely project execution.

Overview

San Diego Community Power (SDCP) launched its Community Clean Energy Grant Program in March 2023. By providing grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits, SDCP is helping to support local clean energy projects and programs that provide economic, environmental, health and community benefits. SDCP has partnered with San Diego Foundation (SDF) to create a collaborative pathway for SDCP funds to be reinvested back into the San Diego community. Through the Community Clean Energy Grant Program, SDCP and SDF, with support from Calpine Energy Solutions, will award funding to projects and programs that move communities toward a healthier, more sustainable, clean energy future. The program is expected to award upwards of $1 million in grants, with grant sizes ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Grant funds must be expended within 24 months from their award date.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must meet the following criteria:Applications must be led by a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) public charity status.A 501(c)(3) public charity may serve as a fiscal sponsor for another applicant to administer the grant and provide regular financial reporting to SDF.Any organization may be part of more than one proposal but may only serve as the lead applicant for one proposal.Applicants must have proven experience serving community members through projects or programs.Proposals must meet the following criteria:Proposed projects or programs must serve SDCP customers (cities of Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, National City, San Diego, and the unincorporated communities of San Diego County).Proposed projects or programs must be directly related to clean energy and advance one or more of the following focus areas:Increasing overall energy literacy of SDCP customers.Energy focused educational programming that encourages clean energy use, particularly for youth.Improvements in indoor and/or outdoor air quality related to electrification.Workforce development opportunities that support careers in the clean energy industry.Improved energy resilience to ensure communities can avoid, prepare for, minimize, adapt to, and recover from energy disruptions.Grant funds may be used for: personnel, supplies, equipment, capital purchases, administrative or indirect costs, and any other program costs tied to effectively executing the proposed project.