The PG&E Corporation Foundation announces it is accepting applications for its Better Together Nature Positive Innovation grant program. The program will provide $500,000 in grants for initiatives dedicated to environmental stewardship.
Five $100,000 regional grants — $500,000 in total — will be awarded. The grants are for projects focused on air quality and land and water stewardship. Eligible applicants are government organizations, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Grant proposals must be in Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s service area. One grant will be awarded in each of PG&E’s five regions. Plumas County is in the utility’s North Valley and Sierra Region.
The grants are part of a commitment to fund environmental stewardship projects in communities PG&E serves, said the foundation. The program helps communities mobilize around and invest in solutions addressing challenges facing the natural environment. It does so by supporting innovative and resilient solutions. Funding for the grant program comes from PG&E shareholders, not customers.
“There’s no doubt that climate change is affecting our communities,” said Carla Peterman, executive vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer for PG&E Corporation and chair of the board of The PG&E Corporation Foundation. “Local collaboration and creative ideas help to meet these climate challenges. We value our community partners who bring about innovative solutions. We look forward to supporting them with our nature positive innovations grants. Together, we are making a difference.”
Last year’s grant recipients included Kitchen Table Advisors. The nonprofit is using its grant to help small-scale regenerative farmers in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties build climate resilience. The El Dorado Fire Safe Council is using a 2024 grant award from last year to help seniors and vulnerable populations make their homes more resilient to wildfires.
Better Together Nature Positive Innovation proposals may cover any stage of an environmental stewardship project, said the foundation. This includes but is not limited to planning, construction, design, education and coordination. Projects that address the needs of disadvantaged and/or vulnerable communities are given grant priority.
Strategies and solutions resulting from the grants will be shared publicly. The goal is to help all communities build more sustainable habitats. The hope is to also encourage local and regional partnerships. The overall intent is to share solutions for building more sustainable habitats and communities.
To be eligible, applicants must be a government organization (including tribal governments), educational institution or 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The deadline to apply for both grant programs is July 18.
The PG&E Corporation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, separate from PG&E and sponsored by PG&E Corporation.