Rocklin, CA — Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) – a locally owned not-for-profit electricity provider headquartered in Rocklin, California, in partnership with Calpine Community Energy (Calpine) announced today the recipients of the first annual Community Benefits Grant.
“Pioneer Community Energy extends its gratitude to Calpine for its partnership in making this grant program available to some of the very worthy nonprofit organizations in our service area,” said Pioneer Board Chair and Auburn City Councilmember Alice Dowdin Calvillo. “These grants allow local nonprofits to bring additional and vitally needed resources to the communities we collectively serve.”
Community Benefits Grant recipients were selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their organization and the nominated project. The assessment framework centered on key areas, including the advancement of research and planning for wildfire mitigation, providing support for economically disadvantaged groups or individuals, and workforce development.
2025 Community Benefits Grant recipients:
- Feeding the Foothills, which provides emergency food response and distribution to those in need throughout El Dorado, Nevada, and Placer counties.
- Silver Wishes, which supports seniors living in Placer County through granting wishes, including helping seniors overcome a variety of challenges.
- KVRM Public Radio, which works to raise awareness and mobilize the community to prevent and prepare for wildfires through increased planning, strategic partnerships, and ongoing public engagement.
“We are honored to award these remarkable organizations with grants to support their efforts,” said Josh Brock, Vice President of Commercial Operations for Calpine Community Energy. “The Community Benefits Grant Program provides an opportunity to develop long-term partnerships with groups working to better serve their communities.”
The Community Benefits Grant Program is an innovative partnership between Pioneer and Calpine, Pioneer’s customer support and billing services provider. Through this program, a percentage of the value of Pioneer’s contract with Calpine is reinvested into community-focused programs.
The application period took place from June 1 to July 15, 2025. A total of 15 applications were received, with three applicants being awarded grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. In all, the program awarded $60,000 in grants.
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