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Duquesne Light Company's microgrant program, Community Impact Grants (CIG), was launched in 2021 to support projects and programs led by diverse grassroots community organizations who are working on the ground to directly support our customers and communities, thereby furthering our mission of building a clean energy future for all.

 

Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for microgrants up to $10,000!

Applications are open on August 1 and close on August 31, 2025. To submit a proposal, click here.

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

How to Apply

The application portal opens Friday, August 1 and closes Sunday, August 31. Applications must be submitted online via the form on our website—no late entries will be accepted. 

Application Questions

  1. Organization Info 
    • Name, EIN (if applicable), contact name, and email
  2. Mission Statement 
    • Tell us about your mission and the community you serve. (150 words max) 
  3. Funding Area 
    • Which area does your project align with? 
      1. Basic Needs 
      2. Workforce Development 
      3. Both
  4. Issue Area Focus 
    • What specific issue(s) are you addressing (e.g., food insecurity, job training)? (150 words max) 
  5. Project Summary
    • What are you planning to do with this grant? (250 words max) 
    • How did you identify the community need that your program or project is trying to solve? 
  6. Use of Funds 
    • How will you spend the grant? Please include a brief budget. (200 words max) 
  7. Timeline 
    • When will your project start and finish? (100 words max) 
  8. Measuring Success 
    • How will you know your project is working? Share 1–3 short-term outcomes. (150 words max) 
  9. Collaboration 
    • Are you working with any partners to support long-term impact? (250 words max) 
  10. Sustainability or Next Steps 
    • What happens after the grant ends? Will the project continue, grow, or wrap up? (200 words max) 

If awarded a Community Impact Grant, recipient nonprofit organizations will need to provide at minimum the following documentation:

  • W-9
  • ACH agreement (provided upon grant award)
  • 990 EZ or 990 of fiscal sponsor
  • Current list of board members
  • Signed Verification of Good Legal Standing (provided upon grant award)
  • Non-discrimination policy

Questions?

For questions or more information, please email community@duqlight.com with the subject line “CIG Question."


PREVIOUS CIG AWARDEES

SUMMER 2024

SUMMER 2023

SPRING 2022

FALL 2021

SPRING 2021