Investing in a Greener Tomorrow: $288,000 Grants Propel Southern California's Clean Energy

LOS ANGELES -- The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) and Calpine Energy Solutions have joined forces once again to unveil the latest group of recipients of their annual Community Benefits Grant Program. This collaborative initiative is dedicated to driving positive change in 12 non-profit organizations spread across CPA's service areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with a total grant allocation exceeding an impressive $288,000. These grants will empower these organizations to champion various causes, including the promotion of clean energy, green job training, environmental education, stewardship, and fostering diversity and equity in energy access. Notably, individual grants within this program range from $20,000 to $30,000, reflecting the commitment to advancing a wide spectrum of community-driven initiatives.

At the heart of CPA's mission is the unwavering commitment to fortify the resilience of local regions while ensuring equitable access to clean energy for all.

Gina Goodhill, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Clean Power Alliance, emphasized the significance of supporting community organizations, stating, "Providing financial backing to these community-driven organizations propels their efforts in clean energy, sustainability, and resilience, ultimately enriching the lives of the communities served by CPA. The selected projects have the potential to touch the lives of thousands of individuals, propelling us closer to a future powered by clean energy."

Calpine Energy Solutions spearheads the funding for this program, while CPA plays a pivotal role in developing grant guidelines and actively engaging with local non-profit organizations to encourage applications. The collaborative effort extends to the rigorous review of applications and the selection of awardees. The application window for this year's program spanned from August 1 to October 6, 2023.

Josh Brock, Vice President of CCA Commercial Operations at Calpine Energy Solutions, emphasized the program's role in nurturing long-term partnerships with organizations dedicated to enhancing the environment within their communities. "Calpine Energy Solutions is deeply committed to our numerous CCA partners and the diverse communities they serve," said Brock. "We take great pride in continuing our sponsorship of this program, which effectively spotlights the invaluable work carried out by various community organizations, while also amplifying the positive impact of Clean Power Alliance throughout Southern California."

The list of this year's grant recipients showcases the breadth and diversity of projects being supported:

1. Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas ($25,000): These funds will fuel workforce development efforts aimed at increasing career exploration and community awareness of opportunities within the green industry. Collaborating with local trade unions, this organization will employ virtual reality (VR) to introduce individuals to offshore wind production and turbine maintenance.
2. Columbia Memorial Space Center ($20,000): These funds will bolster "City of STEM," a prominent program promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in Los Angeles. The initiative is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to STEM education, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities and under-resourced neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles.
3. Friends of the Los Angeles River ($25,000): This grant will support "The LA River & Me Education Program" and the organization's general operations. This program offers an opportunity for 140 classes from 70 Title 1 schools to connect with the natural world by visiting the LA River on a field trip, engaging in three interactive educational stations. Covering 21 of CPA's member communities, this program places a special emphasis on applicants from Alhambra, Carson, Downey, Paramount, and South Pasadena.
4. Grid Alternatives LA ($20,000): These funds will be utilized to provide homeowners in Carson and Whittier with essential services such as reroofs and service panel upgrades, enabling them to access no-cost solar energy systems.
5. LA Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (LARC) ($20,000): These funds will be directed toward the creation of a Clean Energy Education Campaign designed to educate the public in the greater Los Angeles region about the advantages of clean energy and promote more sustainable energy practices. LARC plans to form a Community Advisory Group (CAG) to guide the campaign and will engage two UCLA College Corps Fellows in this endeavor.
6. Merito Foundation ($30,000): These funds will be instrumental in advancing energy literacy and green workforce development opportunities for students in the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). The project will empower 1,200 multicultural and economically disadvantaged VUSD students in grades 7-12 to innovate solutions that reduce their school campuses' carbon footprint through six months of in-class energy literacy, culminating in a STEM competition.
7. Oxnard Performing Arts Center ($23,900): This grant will facilitate the integration of solar energy art activities and education into a year-long initiative, expected to reach 20,000 individuals, including teenagers, youth, and families in Ventura County. Activities will encompass Solar Summer Camp, Family Art Night, and the launch of a solar art cart for use at various events.
8. Pando Populus ($20,000): Funding will be allocated to "Pando Days," a project-centered learning program spanning 20 colleges and universities throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with a focus on implementing Los Angeles County's sustainability goals.
9. Santa Monica Mountains Foundation ($25,000): This funding will support the development of the Los Angeles region's first native seed production farm, which aims to enhance climate change resilience, mitigate the threat of extreme wildfires, provide employment opportunities and environmental education for diverse youth, and enrich wildlife habitat and ecosystems.
10. Tree People ($25,000): This grant will underpin the "Tree People Eco Tours," wherein trained leaders will guide K-6 students and teachers on trail hikes to experience the outdoors while learning about climate change concepts. This funding will expand educational opportunities to disadvantaged youth in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties, offering them STEM experiences and inclusive environmental education.
11. U.S. Green Business Council (USGBC) ($30,000): Funding will be employed to develop a certification program for construction professionals, facilitating their adoption of best practices related to building and landscape improvements that mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change-induced extreme heat. This training builds upon the successful model developed and implemented by USGBC-LA to provide wildfire defense training and certifications for construction and landscaping professionals.
12. Ventura County Community Foundation ($25,000): These funds will bolster operational support, enhancing coordination and capacity building for the foundation's environmental literacy programs, green job workforce development, and support for outdoor workers facing extreme heat.

The next round of applications for the Community Benefits Grant Program is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024.

In addition to this impactful grant program, CPA remains dedicated to supporting the communities it serves through a diverse range of programs that empower customers with cost-saving opportunities and promote energy conservation. These collective efforts contribute to the creation of healthier communities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering green job opportunities. To explore these initiatives further, visit CleanPowerAlliance.org/programs.

About Clean Power Alliance: Established in 2017, Clean Power Alliance operates as a locally managed, non-profit electricity provider serving 30 cities across Los Angeles County and Ventura County, along with the unincorporated regions of both counties. It ranks as California's fourth-largest electricity provider and leads the nation in providing 100% renewable energy to the most extensive customer base. With approximately three million residents and businesses served through one million customer accounts