The Powering Safe Communities Grant Program, administered by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in partnership with ComEd, provides funding of up to $10,000 for local public safety and electrification projects. The program prioritizes projects that enhance public safety, improve community resiliency, and advance sustainability through electrification. Electrification projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve public health outcomes, and support energy-efficient transportation will receive special consideration in this funding cycle.

The grant aims to enhance the quality of life in cities, villages, and towns within the ComEd service area by enabling local governments to address unmet public safety needs, implement innovative and cost-effective solutions, and build community preparedness. Eligible projects must align with one or more of the program's goals, such as providing access to electric vehicle charging stations, electric vehicles, and other electrification infrastructure.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, townships, counties, and other local government entities within ComEd’s service area. This includes communities within Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Henry, Iroquois, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, McHenry, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford counties. Not-for-profit organizations may also apply if they partner with a municipality. Applicants must be in good standing with ComEd regarding the provision of utilities. Past recipients from 2023 and 2024 are ineligible, but those who received grants from 2015-2022 may apply.

The application period opens on January 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM Central Time, and all applications must be submitted by March 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Time. Grant award decisions will be announced in early July 2025.

For additional information, applicants should review the Powering Safe Communities Grant Guidelines before applying. Questions can be directed to Ben Schnelle at bschnelle@mayorscaucus.org.