Grants of $10,000 – $25,000 will be awarded to non-profit organizations in Pioneer’s member communities
Rocklin, CA — Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) – a locally owned not-for-profit electricity provider headquartered in Rocklin, California – is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Benefits Grant. In partnership with Calpine Community Energy, this funding opportunity supports local non-profit organizations in the Placer County, El Dorado County, Grass Valley, and Nevada City communities.
Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 will be awarded. The deadline to submit applications is July 13, 2026, with recipients being notified by November 2026.
“As a local, not-for-profit energy provider, community reinvestment is important to Pioneer,” said Pioneer Board Chair and Auburn City Councilmember Alice Dowdin Calvillo. “The grants awarded to last year’s recipients had a tremendous and positive impact. We value partners like Calpine Community Energy that bring additional funding opportunities to meet the unique needs of the communities we serve.”
Recipients of the 2025 Community Benefits Grant were Feeding the Foothills, KVMR Community Radio Station in Nevada City, and Silver Wishes.
The Community Benefits Grant is open to organizations and projects focused on 1) research and/or planning for wildfire mitigation, 2) education related to energy or biomass, 3) support for economically disadvantaged groups or individuals, and 4) workforce development.
“Year after year, the Community Benefits Grant Program reminds us why this work matters. The community-based organizations we fund are tackling real challenges head-on, and partnering with CCAs like Pioneer Community Energy allows us to amplify that impact where it’s needed most,” said Josh Brock, Vice President of Commercial Operations for Calpine Community Energy.
Webinar:
Pioneer will host a webinar to share grant details and answer questions for interested non-profits on Thursday, June 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. PDT. Register for the webinar through the events page on the Pioneer website or through this link: Community Benefit Grant Webinar
Information and Application:
Additional information and the Community Benefit Grant Application can be found on the Pioneer website: Pioneer Community Energy | Community Benefit Grant Program.
Pioneer reinvests in the communities it serves through a variety of programs that provide customers with access to cost-saving rebates and incentives. Since its beginning in 2018 through 2025, Pioneer has saved customers more than $145 million. Additional information can be found at PioneerCommunityEnergy.org.
