Ocotillo Wind Education Fund Grant

The Ocotillo Wind Education Fund, part of the Ocotillo Wind Community Benefits Program, is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in the Imperial Valley. With an initial commitment of $3 million, this fund prioritizes early childhood development, high school graduation, and student achievement. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, aiming to improve out-of-school programs and develop educational leaders. The fund invites innovative proposals that demonstrate measurable impact and community collaboration, ensuring sustainable educational improvements for future generations.

Ocotillo Wind Community Benefits Program
The Ocotillo Wind Community Benefits Program (the Program) was established at the Imperial Valley Community Foundation (IVCF) in fulfillment of a promise made to the residents of Imperial Valley by Ocotillo Express LLC as part of a charitable commitment to the community at the start of their Ocotillo Wind Project (the Project) in Imperial Valley.
Ocotillo Express LLC has committed $3M dollars to address the region’s greatest challenges, needs and opportunities through three separate endowment funds which each support the core goal of improving the quality of life in Imperial Valley. The three funds – the Ocotillo Wind Community Fund, the Ocotillo Wind Education Fund, and the Ocotillo Wind Imperial Valley Fund – have all been established with initial gifts of $500,000 consisting of a $475,000 endowment and a $25,000 contribution earmarked for inaugural grant cycles.
The remaining $1.5M of Ocotillo Express LLC’s commitment will be gifted equally and annually to the Program’s funds, ensuring that for the next twenty years, there will be at least $25,000 for grant opportunities per year to support local organizations and causes from each fund. After Ocotillo Express LLC’s pledge has been met, grant opportunities will continue to be offered and made possible through earnings and available distributions from each endowment fund.
The Ocotillo Wind Education Fund supports initiatives and programs that enhance and advance Education and Educational Opportunities benefitting the Imperial Valley. Grants from this fund are selected through a competitive application process.
Funding Priorities
Proposals related to the following areas and focus of work will receive the strongest consideration for funding:

• Invest in early child development.
• Increase high school graduation rates.

Increase student achievement for students in all subject matter, with a special emphasis on acquiring the fundamental skills necessary to master reading and mathematics, graduate from high school, and transition to college or a meaningful career.
Improve the quality of out-of-school programs.
Develop educational leaders who support academic proficiency, social engagement, and the rights of every student to learn.
Develop pathways to meaningful employment.
Expand higher learning opportunities and services.
Deliver high quality teaching and learning in all core curricular areas.
Raise standards and expectations, capacity building, and infrastructure which sustain continuous school improvement.
Strengthen teacher and school leader preparation.
Encourage and development parental engagement in supporting their children's academic success.
Other ideas for project work not listed above are invited and will be considered. We recognize that education is such a large field, that there may be extremely novel programs and other important priorities that may not have been included in the list above.
Desireable Project Characteristics
We are receptive to impactful proposals that:

• Demonstrate relevance and ensure that the project enhances learning and academic success.
• Are able to provide measurable results within one year from commencement of this project, even if part of a multi-year project.
• Have the potential to be scaled up or expanded.
• Can be grown and replicated.
• Benefit from and encourage collaborative work, and bring public and private partners together with nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the sector and its trends.
• Identify target population to be reached and the justification for that focus.
• Provide clear benchmarks for measuring success/progress.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include qualified 501c3 organizations and public institutions or other entities (such as schools and school districts) that have a designated charitable purpose.Applicants must be Imperial Valley-serving organizations. Organizations headquartered outside of Imperial County must demonstrate significant service to the area.Organizations with religious affiliations will be considered for funding only if the project for which they seek support attempts to address the needs of the wider community without regard to religious beliefs.

Ineligibility

Exclusions- Guided by our core values and bylaws, grants will not be awarded for:Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or religion.
Fraternal organizations, unless in support of a specific program open to or benefiting the entire community relevant to this grant.
Fundraising events such as annual campaigns, walkathons, tournaments, fashion shows, auctions or dinners, etc.
Paying off debts or existing obligations.
Endowment funds.
Scholarships, fellowships, or travel grants.