CenterPoint Energy Foundation Grant

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is a philanthropic initiative by CenterPoint Energy, aiming to catalyze positive change in the communities where the company operates. The Foundation emphasizes strategic investment in local programs to uplift quality of life and create sustainable improvements, particularly in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The Foundation's mission is grounded in the belief that the success of the company is inherently tied to the vitality of the communities it serves. Through grants and other charitable programs, the Foundation supports innovative, measurable, and impactful initiatives that align with its core pillars of Education and Community Vitality. For 2026, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation offers two grant cycles, each dedicated to a distinct funding priority. Cycle 1, which runs from January 12 to February 13, 2026, focuses exclusively on Education, supporting proposals related to literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and workforce development. Grant decisions for this cycle are communicated by the end of April 2026. Cycle 2 is dedicated to Community Vitality and runs from June 15 to July 17, 2026. This cycle supports proposals in the areas of environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and affordable housing, with funding decisions announced by the end of September 2026. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations recognized as public charities under Section 509(a), with a primary address within CenterPoint Energy’s service footprint. A comprehensive list of eligible counties is included in Appendix A of the Foundation’s 2026 Guidelines and FAQs. Organizations must apply online via the Foundation’s dedicated portal. Each application is reviewed competitively, with priority given to proposals that serve low- to moderate-income populations, have broad community impact, and demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes. Applications must include specific program details, evaluation plans, and other required documentation as outlined on the Foundation’s website. The Foundation does not consider business relationships in funding decisions to avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, it does not support requests for general operating expenses, salaries, childcare tuition assistance, or religious activities. It also excludes support for individuals, political or fraternal organizations, school booster clubs, and certain types of fundraising events. Preference is given to programs with financial commitments from other sources, and applicants are encouraged to present a diversified funding model. Grants are disbursed electronically via a third-party vendor. Recipients are required to submit a signed grant agreement and a final impact report within 30 days of the grant period's conclusion. Applications and communications are managed exclusively through the Foundation’s online platform, and questions related to technical issues must be directed to Benevity, the system vendor. The Foundation also offers additional programs, such as employee volunteer rewards, donation matching, and board service grants. For further information or questions about the grant program, applicants are advised to consult the official Foundation documents or contact [email protected]. All program details, including application guidelines and funding criteria, are subject to updates, which are posted on the Foundation’s website. To ensure timely processing, applicants are encouraged not to wait until the final deadline to submit their proposals.

Priority for strong outcomes, measurable goals, co-funding, and alignment with Education or Community Vitality pillars.