Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification Education in California

Silicon Valley Power, a municipal utility under the City of Santa Clara, offers the Community Outreach Grants for Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification Education to support nonprofit organizations engaging in sustainability-focused public education. These grants are part of Silicon Valley Power’s ongoing efforts to empower communities with knowledge about energy efficiency, electrification technologies, and related customer assistance programs, with a specific emphasis on reaching underserved populations and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program provides funding up to $10,000 per project to not-for-profit community-based organizations or clubs serving residents or small businesses within Santa Clara city limits. Eligible applicants must submit proposals that clearly outline a plan to deliver outreach content focused on energy efficiency and building electrification benefits. Projects may include educational videos, webinars, print materials, digital campaigns, or community workshops. Outreach efforts should be aimed at adults, who typically make household or business-level energy decisions, and should be strategically targeted to engage underserved or hard-to-reach customer segments. The application process requires submission of a completed form with organizational details, project description, outreach strategy, measurable success metrics, and a detailed, itemized budget. Applicants must also attach proof of nonprofit status and may include supporting materials such as sketches or examples of previous work. Applications are accepted twice per year, with deadlines on June 30 and December 31. Each cycle is expected to fund up to five organizations, subject to available resources and proposal quality. Approved grant recipients will receive installment payments based on achievement of predefined project milestones. The funding may be used for materials, supplies, transportation, equipment (excluding general-purpose items such as computers), technology, staff time, or other pre-approved expenses. However, all expenses must be budgeted and approved in advance, and final receipts are required for reimbursement. Organizations may only receive one grant per program year. New grants will not be issued if previous grant-funded work remains incomplete. All content created under the grant must be original and free from copyright violations, including music or imagery. Grantees agree to provide Silicon Valley Power with full rights to use submitted materials for its own outreach and communications. Signed model releases are required for any individuals appearing in video or photographic content. Organizations must also sign a hold harmless and content release form, transferring ownership of produced materials to the City of Santa Clara. Through this program, Silicon Valley Power seeks to expand the impact of its energy efficiency and electrification initiatives by partnering with trusted local organizations that can help deliver culturally relevant, community-specific outreach. The grant is designed to increase awareness of sustainable energy practices and available support programs while advancing equity in the city’s transition to clean energy.

Include measurable metrics for success; prioritize outreach to underserved populations; promote DEI themes