Funding Guidelines

SDG&E is dedicated to investing in innovative projects and programs through our corporate giving program.  We support and partner with hundreds of community-based non-profit organizations in San Diego and south Orange Counties to: 

  • Develop environmental champions who are informed and engaged in climate change and clean transportation solutions
  • Develop public safety programs that encourage emergency preparedness, response and recovery plans, and strive for resiliency during emergencies and disasters
  • Inspire future leaders to develop the next generation of innovative, diverse and talented members of the community to drive economic growth and success

Grantmaking Approach

SDG&E gives preferential consideration to:

  • Programs, rather than one-time events
  • Programs in SDG&E’s initiative areas of giving 
  • Programs that help underserved populations, including diverse ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and low-income families.  

Exclusions and Restrictions for Charitable Contributions

We do not accept or fund requests for charitable contributions that benefit:

  • Individuals
  • Private foundations, endowment funds, or for-profit organizations
  • Groups that practice discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry
  • Sectarian or denominational religious groups, except for programs that are broadly promoted, available to anyone, and free from religious orientation
  • Political parties, candidates or partisan-political groups.

Generally, we do not fund the following:

  • Scholarship programs
  • Capital-improvements, capital equipment or building funds
  • Sporting teams and sporting events
  • Programs primarily focused on the arts and humanities
  • Programs whose beneficiaries are outside of San Diego and south Orange Counties
  • Institutions of higher learning
  • Individual schools, school foundations, or school districts.
  • General operating expenses that are unrelated to the execution of the proposed program or project
  • Travel expenses not directly related to the execution of the project
  • Loans or loan guarantees
  • Debt reduction or past operating deficits
  • Liquidation of an organization
  • Reducing or donating the cost of any natural gas or electrical service

If you'd like to apply for funding, please email our Community Relations team with a brief description of your program or project and we would be happy to have a look or discuss your idea further.