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Charitable Giving
Charitable 3 split smaller

Our goal is bigger than keeping the lights on. We want the community to thrive, so we give a lot more than safe and reliable power.

We’re continually investing resources to ensure our infrastructure meets the region’s future electrical demands. Whether we’re starting initiatives that enhance quality of life or contribute to the region’s economic growth, our goal is the same — to build strong and vibrant communities where we all can be successful.

In 2017, the company donated nearly $1.7 million to 40 organizations across Allegheny and Beaver counties, and employees volunteered more than 3,000 hours of community service. From giving nearly $600,000 to United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania agencies to a $10,000 Power It Forward holiday initiative to benefit the Dollar Energy Fund, Duquesne Light employees continue to inspire kindness and reciprocal goodwill in the communities where they live and work.  

FUNDING PRIORITIES

Lighting Projects

Projects that plan to illuminate regional and neighborhood landmarks, recreational lighting, as well as lighting initiatives promoting economic vitality, safety and security in the various communities and neighborhoods Duquesne Light serves are welcome to apply for funding consideration. This builds on successful partnerships like the architectural lighting of Penn Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh and the Roberto Clemente Bridge, safety lights installed on Smallman Street in Pittsburgh's Strip District, and the various community ball fields and recreation areas that have received grants to help install lighting.

Economic Development and Community Development Organizations

Organizations that specifically target certain neighborhoods or economic development initiatives are welcome to apply for funding consideration, especially though the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) or Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP).

Educational Organizations

Organizations that specifically work with children and youth educational initiatives are welcome to apply for funding consideration, especially through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

Community Services

Organizations that specifically work with low- and moderate-income families to assist in improving their quality of life are welcome to apply for funding consideration. Special consideration will be given to organizations that help this population with assistance in keeping essential services.

Click here to see 2018 Donation Recipients

 

Program Application

Working on something that’s good for the community? We’d love to hear about it. Please fill out the application provided below to get started.

Apply Now

Send written proposals to:
Duquesne Light Company
Community Outreach 411 Seventh Avenue
Mail Drop 15-5
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Email: community@duqlight.com 

Program Guidelines

Mission

Our charitable giving program's mission is to provide funding to worthy 501(c)(3) organizations or its equivalent state and/or municipal government counterparts within our service territory that make our region a better place to live.

Funding Restrictions

Our program will not provide funding for:

  • Organizations outside the company's service area
  • 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)
  • Hanging or installation of holiday lighting/decorations
  • Individuals or private foundations
  • Fraternal organizations
  • Profit-making entities
  • Capital campaigns, operating expenses, salaries or travel grants
  • Specific arts performances or openings
  • Fundraising dinners, luncheons or events for organizations that do not fall within our funding priorities
  • Golf outings
  • Political or advocacy organizations
  • Healthcare/medical research initiatives
  • Organizations that receive significant United Way funding
Applying for Support

Proposals must include the application, should not exceed three typewritten pages, cannot be accepted via phone, and must contain the following information:

  • What is the description of the project and grant amount requested?
  • What is the target population/community?
  • What is the proposed timeline for implementing this project?
  • What is the issue and/or opportunity the proposed project addresses?
  • What are the anticipated outcomes at the end of the project?
  • What method will be used to measure the achievement of those outcomes?
  • What is your organization's role and qualifications in helping to implement this project?
  • What methods and/or opportunities will you provide to ensure Duquesne Light receives positive public relations for its contribution to this project?

All applications must also include:

  • A description of the organization and its mission.
  • Current operating budget, sources of revenue, and audited financial statements for the past two years.
  • Organizational structure and board membership.
  • 501(c) (3) Determination Letter from the IRS or a statement indicating that the grant recipient is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of PA.
  • Verification of good legal standing.
Notification of Decision

Organizations that follow the procedures listed above will be notified of funding decisions within a reasonable amount of time. Organizations that send general funding requests and do not follow the application process stated above will not receive any acknowledgement of the solicitation.

Publicity and Public Disclosure

Any publicity or public disclosure of the awarding of a grant from Duquesne Light Company must be approved by the Company's Corporate Communications Department prior to release.