Energy Trust of Oregon's Working Together Grants are a competitive funding opportunity to help nonprofit organizations increase community engagement and expand access to clean energy solutions. The grants aim to raise awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, particularly for priority customers—communities of color, customers with low to moderate incomes, and rural communities. The application period opens on December 4, 2024, and closes on January 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Successful applicants will be notified of awards in February 2025.

Two grant levels are available. Level One Grants offer up to $5,000 and focus on outreach, education, and capacity-building activities. Eligible costs include staff training, event hosting, meeting facilitation, material design and printing, translation services, and workshops. Level Two Grants provide up to $10,000 for larger projects or programs that supplement existing initiatives, particularly those resulting in customer participation in Energy Trust’s energy efficiency and renewable energy offers. Costs may include goods or services, staff time, contractor fees, or training-related expenses.

Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Oregon or Washington. Groups in the process of obtaining nonprofit status may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Applicants must ensure that their proposed activities benefit customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, or Avista. Additionally, projects must align with Energy Trust’s goals to serve diverse communities and promote clean energy solutions.

The selection process differs by grant level. Level One Grants are reviewed and prioritized based on organizational alignment with priority communities, location (favoring rural areas), organizational size, and previous grant history, with preference for first-time applicants. Applications are grouped into five tiers, starting with those reflecting and serving all three priority communities. Awards within tiers may be made by random selection if funds are oversubscribed. Level Two Grants undergo a scoring process led by a diverse review team, with priority given to proposals that align closely with program goals, demonstrate strong community impact, and ensure broad geographic distribution.

Applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on December 17, 2024, at 9 a.m., to learn more about the application process and grant expectations. Successful grantees will be paired with Energy Trust staff to assist in coordinating and implementing grant activities. All grant recipients must submit a final report detailing project outcomes by November 1, 2025.

For more information, questions, or assistance with the application process, contact WorkingTogetherGrants@EnergyTrust.org. Grant applications, eligibility details, and submission guidelines can be accessed through the Energy Trust website starting December 4, 2024.