[PPL Foundation](https://www.pplweb.com/communities/ppl-foundation)

March 15, 2026 (Spring) | September 15, 2026 (Fall)

$2,500–$20,000 per award; one grant per organization per year; $1M total annual funding

Supports nonprofits advancing community vitality, opportunity, resilience, sustainability, and education in PPL Electric Utilities' service areas.

Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits; must benefit PPL Electric Utilities' Pennsylvania region.

--- ## Description The Empowering Community Grants program from the PPL Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities served by PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania. Grants are designed to support initiatives that advance community vitality, expand access to opportunities, promote resilience and sustainability, and enhance education. The program seeks to foster long-term, impactful change by supporting projects that address urgent needs, fill unique niches, or complement other community efforts. --- ## Due Dates - **March 15, 2026:** Spring cycle application deadline (applications accepted February 1–March 15) - **September 15, 2026:** Fall cycle application deadline (applications accepted August 1–September 15) Award notifications are typically sent in June (for spring cycle) and December (for fall cycle). --- ## Funding Amount - **Grant Range:** $2,500 to $20,000 per award - **Typical Award:** Average grant is around $5,000 - **Annual Limit:** One grant per organization per calendar year - **Total Annual Funding:** Approximately $1,000,000 allocated across all awards --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - **Geographic Focus:** Must serve or directly benefit communities within the 29 Pennsylvania counties served by PPL Electric Utilities. Organizations located outside the service area may apply if their activities demonstrably benefit the PPL Electric Utilities region. - **Ineligible Applicants:** Municipalities, churches, schools, chambers of commerce, individuals, political/labor/religious groups, and requests for scholarships or capital campaigns. - **Other Requirements:** Applicants must have non-discriminatory practices and align with the Foundation’s focus areas: - Community Vitality (housing stability, food security, energy assistance, arts & culture) - Access to Opportunities (economic development, workforce development, skill-building) - Resilience & Sustainability (environmental stewardship, neighborhood revitalization, emergency preparedness, disaster relief) - Education (STEM, literacy, career pathways, college readiness) --- ## Application Process - **How to Apply:** Applications are submitted online via the [PPL Foundation grants portal](https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=6446&x_quiz_id=12000&x_order_by=1). First-time users must create a profile. - **Required Materials:** Organizational profile, project summary, budgets, and supporting documents (e.g., annual report, brochures). - **Drafts & Revisions:** Applications can be saved as drafts and edited prior to submission. Once submitted, no further edits are allowed. - **Review Process:** Applications are reviewed by regional committees of PPL employees and Foundation board members, with decisions based on alignment with focus areas, urgency, community impact, and complementarity with other initiatives. - **Notification:** Applicants are notified in writing of funding decisions approximately two months after each cycle’s deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Organizations may only receive one grant per calendar year (not per cycle). - If an application is declined in the spring, the organization may reapply in the fall. - The PPL Foundation will not be the sole funder for capital campaigns and does not make multi-year commitments. - EITC and sponsorship opportunities are available separately and do not count against the one-grant-per-year limit. - Grant funding is for programmatic expenses, not general operating costs, building repairs, or maintenance. --- ## External Links - [PPL Foundation Grant Program Overview (PDF)](https://www.pplweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PPL-Foundation_Grants-Update-Webinar_2026_FINAL.pdf) - [Grant Information Booklet (PDF)](https://www.pplweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PPL-Foundation_2026-Grant-Info-Booklet_FINAL.pdf) - [Empowering Community Grants Program Page](https://www.pplweb.com/communities/ppl-foundation/pa-grants/#Pennsylvania-Grant-Opportunities) - [Application Portal](https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=6446&x_quiz_id=12000&x_order_by=1) - [FAQ](https://www.pplweb.com/communities/ppl-foundation/pa-grants/#frequently-asked-questions) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email Address | |--------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [community@pplweb.com](mailto:community@pplweb.com) | | Lissette Santana, President | LOSantana@pplweb.com | | Jane George, Regional Affairs Dir. | JGeorge2@pplweb.com | | Jonah Howe, Regional Affairs Dir. | JGHowe@pplweb.com | | Kelly Palmer, Regional Affairs Dir. | KPalmer1@pplweb.com | | Kathleen Oswalt, Sr. Corp. Relations | KAOswalt@pplweb.om | For region-specific questions or to discuss eligibility, contact the appropriate Regional Affairs Director or use the general inquiry email. ---

Empowering Community Grants

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