DLC Community Impact Grants

Duquesne Light Company's Community Impact Grants (CIG) program, initiated in 2021, aims to empower grassroots organizations addressing social equity, education, and environmental justice in Allegheny and Beaver counties. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to support initiatives that promote racial equality, educational opportunities, and community resilience. The program prioritizes organizations led by BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ individuals, ensuring diverse leadership in community development efforts.

Duquesne Light Company's Microgrant program, Community Impact Grants (CIG), was launched in 2021 to support projects and programs led by diverse grassroots community organizations who are working on the ground to directly support our customers and communities, thereby furthering our mission of building a clean energy future for all.
Program Focus Areas
SOCIAL EQUITY: including social justice initiatives such as housing programs, programs advancing racial equality, refugee assistance, and access to food for historically disenfranchised communities
EDUCATION: including programs that support K-12 education in the areas of science, technologically, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), access or increased access to technology, and purchasing of equipment for educational programming or capacity building
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: including community gardens, park upgrades and restorations, and climate resilience projects

Eligibility

501c3 nonprofit organizations or state equivalent, or organizations receiving fiscal sponsorship from a registered 501c3 or state equivalentOrganization must meet DLC’s charitable giving program guidelines listed on our FAQsOrganization must serve residents in Allegheny and/or Beaver CountyOrganizations must have an annual operating budget equal to or less than $500,000 and/or a specific targeted project

Ineligibility

Organizations with larger budgets that are not applying on behalf of a smaller organization or community group will not be consideredOrganizations whose primary work benefits communities or individuals outside the Company's service territory
Institutions supported by tax dollars, with the exception of a 501(c)(3) equivalent state and/or municipal government counterpart
Organizations that discriminate by race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation or national origin
Religious organizations, except for non-sectarian activities
General street lighting projects (i.e., replacement of municipal streetlights)
Capital campaigns
Requests that cover primarily operating expenses, salaries or travel grants
Specific arts performances or openings (Note: some public art proposals are eligible for our Community Impact Grants, see program guidelines here)
Fundraising dinners, luncheons or events for organizations that do not fall within the Company’s funding priorities.
Political or Advocacy organizations
Healthcare/medical research initiatives that do not fall within the Company’s funding priorities.