Community Outreach Grants

Peninsula Clean Energy, a community-led public agency, issued a call for applications for its 2025 Community Outreach Grants to support nonprofit organizations serving San Mateo County or the City of Los Banos. This annual initiative is designed to enhance community engagement, educate residents on energy programs, and help them reduce energy costs and environmental impact. The program reflects Peninsula Clean Energy’s mission to offer clean energy solutions that are accessible and equitable. The grants support community-based organizations in their efforts to provide outreach and education on Peninsula Clean Energy’s programs and services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored projects with a history of delivering public outreach, communications, or social services in the target geographies. Successful proposals will feature plans to communicate about Peninsula Clean Energy, engage residents, collect feedback, and promote participation in energy efficiency and electric vehicle incentive programs. Applicants may receive up to $45,000 for work to be completed within a one-year period beginning January 1, 2025. All applications were due by October 7, 2024. In preparation for submission, applicants were encouraged to review the official Call for Proposals and submit questions to Vanessa Shin by September 16, 2024. The Q&A responses were posted online on September 23, 2024, to aid transparency and consistency across applicants. The grant program includes mandatory components, such as general outreach about Peninsula Clean Energy and its community benefits, as well as optional goals focused on equity-priority populations or the general public. These may include helping residents sign up for rebate programs, supporting multilingual engagement, facilitating focus groups, and organizing educational events around electric appliances or electric vehicles. Application materials included a narrative of up to five pages, a work plan and budget in a specified template format, proof of nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship, and—if applicable—a progress summary for current grantees. Completed applications were submitted via email to vshin@peninsulacleanenergy.com. Contact for further information was also available through the same email or by phone at 1-866-966-0110. This program appears to recur annually and aligns closely with Peninsula Clean Energy’s broader mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing environmental equity through localized partnerships and community-driven action.

Focus your work plan on outreach goals that best align with your organization’s mission and audience. Collaborations are encouraged. Submit questions early for clarification.