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Community Clean Energy Grant program: $1.2M awarded in 2024; 2025 cycle open with ~$600K available
Summary
San Diego Community Power staff reported that the 2024 Community Clean Energy Grant cycle awarded more than $1.2 million to 16 organizations; the 2025 cycle opened Feb. 10 with roughly $600,000 to distribute in grants of $25,000–$100,000 and a 24-month expenditure window.
San Diego Community Power presented an update March 13 on its Community Clean Energy Grant program, which funds local nonprofit projects that advance energy literacy, electrification, air-quality improvements, workforce development and community resilience.
"The Community Clean Energy Grant program ... aims to support local clean energy projects and programs that provide economic, environmental, and health benefits to Community Power communities," said Xiomeli Espo, Senior Community Engagement Manager, at the committee meeting.
Staff reported that the 2024 program (administered through a professional services agreement with the San Diego Foundation) awarded more than $1.2 million to 16 organizations, with individual grants up to $100,000 and project periods of up to 24 months. Staff shared preliminary highlights from grantees: examples included installation and roof work enabling a future 16.4 kW solar plus 35 kWh storage system at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center; a high-school internship and curriculum work by San Diego 350; installation of air sensors at Mission Bay High School; and clean-energy career outreach to thousands of students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District.
For the 2025 cycle, staff said roughly $600,000 is available for new and continuing projects. Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $100,000; staff told the committee each applicant may participate on multiple proposals but may submit only one application as lead applicant. Staff said grants must be expended within 24 months of award and outlined evaluation criteria covering feasibility, readiness, community served and environmental impact. The application period opened Feb. 10 and closed March 14, 2025; award notifications are expected later this summer and grant agreements executed by August 2025.
Committee member Hammond described a local project (supported by previous grant funding) that will add a smart heat-pump system and solar and storage at Olivewood Gardens and said the group will hold a fundraiser April 6 to help close a remaining budget gap; staff confirmed the program budget for 2025 was set as part of the agency’s overall budget and that staff are exploring additional philanthropic partnerships to expand funding.
The committee received the update as an informational item; no committee vote was required.
