Published on 07/06/2023
Sonoma Clean Power and Calpine Energy Solutions announced the winners of our joint Community Benefits Grant for 2023. This year, six organizations were awarded grants ranging from $7,000 to $20,000.
The next call for grant applicants will take place in April 2024.
The Community Benefits Grant partnership provides funding to organizations in Sonoma and Mendocino counties helping to advance clean energy, green jobs, environmental education and stewardship, and equity and diversity efforts.
Read more about this year’s grant recipients and winning projects:
Funding will be used to replace 25-100 gas water heaters for low-income mobile home park residents. RTP will create materials to educate residents about the opportunity, identify projects as part of its 25-point Health & Safety Inspection, manage installations with residents and contractors, and submit rebate applications to program administrators.
C.A.R.E. Cloverdale School Foundation
Funds will support the 150 students participating in the Cloverdale High School (CHS) Construction program. Small groups of students lead community client projects and design/build a product to meet the clients’ needs. The CHS Manufacturing and Sustainability Industries educational field trip effort will be closely integrated with environmental science curriculum, and includes visits to the Calpine Geysers, SMART Train, and Sonoma Water.
Funding will go toward the Positive Energy program, a STEAM initiative that enriches the lives of elementary students and their families in the Cloverdale and Geyserville communities. Over 9 months, participants will engage in 9 sessions featuring a variety of exciting activities, including visits to local community gardens and parks, guest speakers, and a museum visit. The program aims to inspire a love for STEAM education and nurture a college-going culture among participating families.
Geyserville Community Foundation
Funds will enable the Foundation to expand the free community farm project, which donated 4,300 lbs. of fresh produce to local families and individuals in need last year. This year’s goal is to donate over 10,000 lbs. Funding will support the purchase of new trellising, irrigation, seeds, harvesting bins and clippers, water, amendments, and other farm essentials.
This grant will be a key piece of funding for the Success & Sustainability Program (SSP), which will serve five high schools (Santa Rosa, Rancho Cotati, Casa Grande, Windsor, Cloverdale) during the 2023-2024 school year. Working with Sonoma County Office of Education and several local school districts, Boomerang Plus will implement SSP into class curriculum relating to areas focused on green building, sustainability, environment, entrepreneurship, and stewardship.
Funding will support SEC’s environmental education program for Sonoma Valley students in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Its goal is to help students become informed and engaged earth stewards, prepared to responsibly face the implications of a changing global climate. The education program is designed to meet the needs of diverse learners and English learners and provides materials in English and Spanish. Delivered by experienced environmental educators, each experience includes five one-hour classroom lessons and a four-hour field experience.
