Community Clean Energy Grants

About Community Clean Energy Grants​

San Diego Community Power’s Community Clean Energy Grants support projects and programs that create healthier, more sustainable communities in the San Diego region.

The 2026 grant cycle is now open.

Applications for the 2026 grant cycle are administered in partnership with San Diego Foundation. For the complete grant guidelines, application materials or to submit your proposal, visit San Diego Foundation’s grant portal.

Funding Tracks

Grant funding is available through two tracks based on the work proposed:

  • Clean Energy Infrastructure: This track primarily supports the establishment of clean energy infrastructure within Community Power’s service areas, prioritizing communities of concern. When applicable, projects will be strongly encouraged to enroll grant-funded Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into Community Power’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
  • Clean Energy Programming: This track primarily supports programs that increase the overall energy literacy of Community Power customers. This can include energy-focused educational programs that encourage clean energy adoption, youth engagement programs and workforce development opportunities that support careers in the clean energy industry. 

Eligibility Criteria

Grant applications must meet the following criteria:

Propose projects or programs that serve Community Power customers*

Be led by a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status or another tax-exempt organization (such as a public agency or higher education institution) with proven experience serving community members through projects or programs

Propose projects or programs that fit within either the Clean Energy Infrastructure or Clean Energy Programming funding track and align with one or more of the following focus areas:

  • Increased overall energy literacy
  • Energy-focused educational programming that encourages clean energy use, particularly for youth
  • Indoor and/or outdoor air quality improvement related to electrification
  • Clean energy workforce development
  • Improved energy resilience to ensure communities can avoid, prepare for, minimize, adapt to and recover from energy disruptions

*Community Power’s service territory includes the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa and National City, as well as the unincorporated communities of San Diego County.

Timeline

The 2026 grant cycle is open.

Applications Open

February 2

Technical Assistance Workshop

February 9 at 12 p.m. PT

Applications Close

March 6 at 5 p.m. PT

Grant AwardeesAre Notified

Late summer 2026

Technical Assistance & Applicant Support

To support interested applicants, technical assistance will be available during the application period. A webinar providing an overview of the grant guidelines and application questions will be held on February 9 at 12 p.m. PT. You can register at this link.

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your application with San Diego Foundation staff, email Environment@SDFoundation.org or call 619-357-7998.

2025 Grant Recipients

San Diego Community Power, in partnership with San Diego Foundation and Calpine Community Energy, awards grants to nonprofits to fund clean energy initiatives in our local communities.

Circulate San Diego

Green Transportation Education and Transit Trainings

Circulate San Diego will engage 500 students with hands-on clean transportation education and Youth Opportunity Pass enrollment to promote sustainable mobility and green careers.

Energy-focused educational programming that encourages clean energy use, particularly for youth
$46,305

|

San Diego, Chula Vista

City Heights Community Development Corporation

Enhancing Mid-City GO: Outreach and Clean Mobility for City Heights

This project will expand service and outreach for the all-electric Mid-City GO Shuttle, boosting zero-emission mobility and energy literacy in City Heights and North Park.

Increased overall energy literacy of Community Power customers
$67,564

|

San Diego

GRID Alternatives San Diego

Energy For All

GRID Alternatives will install solar and battery storage systems for 82 low-income households to build energy resilience, expand clean energy access, and support workforce development in San Diego’s underserved communities.

Improved energy resilience to ensure communities avoid, minimize and recover from energy disruptions
$50,000

|

San Diego, National City, Chula Vista

Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation

The Boys & Girls Club of South County Clean Energy Resilience Initiative

This initiative will install solar and storage at the Boys & Girls Club of South County and a local family’s home, while educating youth and developing the clean energy workforce through hands-on learning and community engagement.

Improved energy resilience to ensure communities avoid, minimize and recover from energy disruptions
$75,000

|

Imperial Beach

In Good Company

Community Clean Energy Microcredential (CCEM)

The Community Clean Energy Microcredential will expand on its prior programming to deliver climate and energy literacy, career training, and advocacy tools to residents in Communities of Concern through hybrid instruction.

Increased overall energy literacy of Community Power customers; Energy-focused educational programming that encourages clean energy use, particularly for youth; Workforce development opportunities that support careers in the clean energy industry
$60,000

|

San Diego

La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation

Clean Energy Education and Equipment in La Mesa Parks

This project will transition La Mesa parks to electric landscaping and event equipment while delivering public clean energy education and staff training.

Increased overall energy literacy of Community Power customers; Energy-focused educational programming that encourages clean energy use, particularly for youth; Workforce development opportunities that support careers in the clean energy industry
$35,000

|

La Mesa

Little Saigon San Diego

Umbrella Trees

The “Umbrella Trees” project will install 20 solar-powered structures along El Cajon Blvd, combining clean energy infrastructure with Vietnamese American storytelling to enhance safety, cultural engagement, and energy literacy.

Increased overall energy literacy of Community Power customers
$75,364

|

San Diego

MAAC

MAAC’s Electric Vehicle Access Program

MAAC’s EV Access Program will expand to include EV charging stipends and a peer ambassador network to advance clean mobility equity and financial resilience for low-and-moderate-income households.

Increased overall energy literacy of Community Power customers
$45,000

|

San Diego, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Encinitas, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Escondido

How Community Clean Energy Grants Are Impacting Our Communities

Community Power’s Community Clean Energy Grants allow local nonprofits to expand their impact and shape a more sustainable San Diego — but don’t just take our word for it. See what the community has to say about the projects and programs funded by previous grant cycles.

“We were able to upgrade our electric panel, which was needed to install an EV home charging system. I love that I was able to do my part going green with an electric vehicle.”
– MAAC EV Access Program Participant
“The workshops taught me things I’ve never even considered before through collaborative community conversations — which made it even more meaningful.”
– United Women of East Africa Clean Energy Program Participant
“Electric tools not only cut down on fuel, but are lighter and quieter. All the staff are excited to be able to use electric tools.”
la mesa park and recreation foundation
– La Mesa Parks & Recreation Staff
“This solar and storage project created energy savings for the community center, enhancing our ability to offer community members a variety of programs and services. Plus, it introduces residents to renewable energy and its benefits. We are proud to be part of the clean energy transition.”
– Daniela Kelly
, Executive Director of the Sherman Heights Community Center

Want to learn more about our 2025 grantees?

Impact Reports

The San Diego Foundation, with support from Community Power, develops annual reports overviewing the impact of the projects and programs funded by our Community Clean Energy Grants.

Explore more ways to help shape a sustainable San Diego.

Are you a local community-based organization? Help us shape a more sustainable San Diego through the Power Network.

Connect with Community Power at local community events and let us know how we can best meet your clean energy needs.

Our Community Advisory Committee includes two representatives from each of the communities, ensuring every community’s voice is heard.