ComEd Powering Safe Communities Grant Program

The ComEd Powering Safe Communities Grant Program is a philanthropic initiative designed to support public safety and clean transportation projects throughout the ComEd service area in Illinois. Administered by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, this annual grant program reflects a collaboration between ComEd and municipal leaders to fund innovative, community-centered efforts that improve safety, health outcomes, and sustainability. The 2026 grant cycle continues ComEd’s commitment to advancing electrification and enhancing resiliency in local communities. The primary objective of the program is to empower municipalities, counties, townships, and nonprofit organizations (when partnered with a municipality) to implement projects that directly enhance public safety and advance clean transportation initiatives. The grant particularly emphasizes solutions that promote electrification—such as installing electric vehicle charging stations or purchasing electric vehicles—and projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve public health, and increase community preparedness. Additional eligible projects include emergency response equipment, disaster preparedness supplies, public safety education programs, and specialized plans or training designed to improve local government service delivery in safety-related areas. Applicants may request up to $10,000 in grant funding, which must be matched by the recipient through a direct financial contribution or documented in-kind support. The matching requirement is set at 50% of the total project cost and must be clearly documented and submitted for reimbursement. Allowable matches include staff time and volunteer labor, provided adequate documentation is submitted. The program reimburses expenses after project completion and verification of expenditures, and all funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2027. Retroactive reimbursement may be allowed for costs incurred between the application deadline and grant award announcement, pending written approval. The 2026 application cycle opens on January 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time, and the deadline for submissions is March 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Applications must be submitted via the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Submittable platform. Support letters are strongly encouraged, and partial funding may be awarded. All applications will be reviewed by an evaluation panel comprising experts in public safety, transportation, planning, and public health. Final award decisions will be made by ComEd, and recipients will be notified by early July 2026. Eligible applicants include units of local government within the ComEd service area, specifically those located in 29 Illinois counties. Nonprofit organizations are eligible only when applying in partnership with a municipality. Entities that received funding in either 2024 or 2025 are not eligible for the 2026 cycle; however, past grantees from 2015 to 2023 may reapply. All applicants must be in good standing with ComEd regarding utility services. Projects should be well-planned, clearly articulated, and aligned with the goals of the program to enhance public safety and sustainability. Applications must include a project description, budget, and work plan. A final report with required attachments is mandatory to remain eligible for future cycles. Recipients must also acknowledge ComEd’s support in promotional materials and participate in any related media or public events. All grant communications should be directed to Ben Schnelle of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus at [email protected]. Further details and required forms are available in the 2026 program guidelines.

Projects aligning with public safety and electrification priorities are favored; clear work plans and 2+ support letters strengthen applications.