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Deadline Approaching to Apply to Duquesne Light Company’s New Microgrant Program

Eligible organizations in Allegheny and Beaver counties can
apply for grants of up to $10,000 through June 1

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May 18, 2021

Applications are still being accepted for Duquesne Light Company’s (DLC) recently launched Community Impact Grants (CIG) program. As the new signature initiative of DLC’s Charitable Giving program, CIG will benefit diverse, grassroots community organizations in Allegheny and Beaver counties. Eligible nonprofits can receive grants of up to $10,000 to fund various projects and programs that help Pittsburgh-area communities thrive. Organizations can apply online for the first grant cycle through Tuesday, June 1.

Funding from CIG will support four key focus areas:

  • Public art: Murals, installations and local community art events
  • Green spaces: Community gardens, park upgrades and tree plantings
  • Community safety and energy efficiency: Energy-efficient equipment purchases, façade upgrades and safety lighting upgrades
  • Connectivity and technology: Access or increased access to technology, as well as equipment purchases to aid in educational programming or capacity building


To be considered for a grant, organizations must:

  • Be a 501c3 nonprofit or state equivalent, or an organization receiving fiscal sponsorship from a registered 501c3 or state equivalent
  • Meet DLC’s Charitable Giving program guidelines listed in the program’s FAQs  
  • Serve residents in Allegheny and/or Beaver counties
  • Have an annual operating budget equal to or less than $500,000 and/or a specific targeted project
    • Organizations can have an annual operating budget equal to or less than $1 million in certain circumstances, as decided by the DLC committee overseeing the program.
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Funding should not be used for capital campaigns or overhead expenses. Organizations with female, BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ leadership are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
Application Process and Grant Distribution

The CIG program will have two yearly cycles: one in late winter/early spring, and the other in late summer/early fall. Each application period will last for approximately two months, and all applications will be reviewed by a committee of DLC employees. Dates for the next grant cycle will be announced in the coming months.

Applicants will receive a final decision via email within six weeks after the application period closes. Organizations that are awarded a grant will be listed on DLC’s website and promoted on social media.

More information about the program and application process can be found at DuquesneLight.com/CIG.

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