Pepco’s $100,000 Sustainable Communities Grant Program Available
District of Columbia and Montgomery and Prince George’s County Organizations Can Apply for Environmental and Resiliency Grants from Pepco
Pepco is powering local communities in ways that go beyond reliable energy service through environmental stewardship and resiliency grants for municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits in the company’s District of Columbia and Maryland service area. The company’s Sustainable Communities Grant Program, which is facilitated by Sustainable Maryland, has provided $250,000 in grants to fund sustainability projects across the region since its launch in 2020. The grant application is now open through July 6, 2023.
“We are proud of the impact our Sustainable Communities Grant Program provides the District and Maryland and we will continue partnering with local municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits to ensure we are fulfilling our commitment to empower the communities we serve,” said Marisa Slaten, director of Corporate Community Impact for Pepco Holdings. “Last year our program supported 11 projects, including training on stormwater management in the Tenleytown neighborhood, the purchase of three generators to assist with Upper Marlboro’s Emergency Operations and Response Program, and the removal of aggressive invasive species in Takoma Park. We are eager to see the opportunities this program will bring in 2023.”
The 2023 program provides $60,000 in environmental stewardship grants, up to $10,000 each, for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources and environmental conservation. Interested organizations can learn more about the Sustainable Communities Grant Program and how to submit a grant request at: pepco.com/SustainableCommunities.
The program supports the company’s focus on community giving with projects that provide energy empowerment through sustainability, environmental and open space initiatives. Examples of eligible projects include the development of recreation trails, the purchase of open space and the planting of trees and other vegetation. The program also provides $40,000 in resiliency grants, up to $20,000 each, to support innovative approaches to providing a safe and reliable resource for a community during a time of emergency, such as severe weather.
"Sustainable Maryland's mission is to connect communities and organizations with the resources they need to become more sustainable and resilient," said Mike Hunninghake. "Pepco's Sustainable Communities grants are an important tool for our stakeholders' efforts to implement vital projects, address local needs, and educate residents. We look forward to catalyzing another group of innovative projects in the coming year."
Municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits in the Pepco service area can apply for a Sustainable Communities grant each year. A committee with representatives from Pepco and Sustainable Maryland reviews each application and selects the projects to receive funding.
"Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) appreciates Pepco's support for the Washington Youth Garden, located on the grounds of the US National Arboretum,” said Beatrice Dermer, director of Foundation and Government Relations at FONA, which received a Sustainable Communities Grant in 2022. “Last year, FONA grew and harvested over 7,500 pounds of fruits and vegetables which were shared with students and families in northeast Washington, D.C."
