About Community Impact Grants
Duquesne Light Company launched the Community Impact Grants (CIG) program in 2021 to support grassroots organizations that are making a real difference in our communities. Since its launch, CIG has awarded over $800,000 to nearly 100 organizations. We’re proud to continue this work and excited to see what you’ll bring to the table this year!
2025 CIG Timeline
July 21: Request For Proposals published
August 1: Applications open
August 31: Applications close
October: Award notifications sent
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a Community Impact Grant, your organization must meet ALL the criteria below:
1. Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good legal standing or have a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3);
2. Primarily serve communities in Allegheny and/or Beaver counties; AND
3. Have an annual operating budget under $500,000.
Funding Focus Areas
1. Basic Needs
This category is all about helping people meet life’s essential needs—especially during times of crisis. Projects might include:
- Crisis Support: Emergency kits, temporary shelter or disaster preparedness workshops
- Food Access: Pop-up pantries, mobile food delivery or community gardens
- Housing Assistance: Homebuyer education or minor home repairs
- Refugee Support: Welcome kits, ESL classes or job placement services
- Family & Child Services: Parenting support, school supplies or youth programs
- Health & Well-being: Mental health training, community health education, community health fairs (free, accessible basic health care services) or hygiene kits
- Safe Community Spaces: Accessible park and trail stewardship, accessible social services in community spaces
2. Workforce Development
This category supports programs that help people prepare for and succeed in the workforce—especially in energy, utilities and related fields. Projects might include:
- Career Readiness: Resume help, interview prep or job fairs
- Education & Training: GED prep or digital literacy classes
- Career-focused STEM Education: STEM supplies, specialized learning experts and experiences
- Skilled Trades: Toolkits, safety gear or trade school partnerships
- Career-focused Mentoring & Professional Growth: Peer mentoring, career planning
- Upskilling: Short-term courses, language classes or micro-credentials
What We Don’t Fund
We want to be transparent about what falls outside our funding scope. We do not fund:
Organizations that:
- Primarily serve communities outside our service area
- Are government institutions (unless they have a 501 (c)(3) equivalent)
- Discriminate in any form
- Are religious (unless for non-sectarian activities)
- Are individuals (including scholarships), private foundations, fraternal organizations or for-profit businesses
- Are political or advocacy-focused
- Focus on healthcare research
Projects that:
- Involve general street lighting, holiday lighting or renewable energy installations
- Are capital campaigns
- Primarily cover salaries, operating costs, or travel
- Include direct utility bill assistance
- Are specific arts performances or galas
- Are fundraising events