Applications Open for Bright Futures Grants to Educate Communities About the Benefits of Renewable Energy

Grants for up to $20,000 will be awarded to organizations with the most creative and innovative approaches

IRVINE, Calif. (May 20, 2024) – The Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) – a community energy provider – is now accepting applications for its annual Bright Futures Grant program, a funding opportunity aimed at supporting local non-profits, schools, and educators in their efforts to inform communities about the benefits of renewable energy and Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). OCPA will be granting up to $20,000 to applicants who bring forward the most creative and unique ideas. The deadline to submit applications is July 1, 2024 with grants being awarded later this summer. 

A key criterion for applying for this grant is that the organizations must be located within the OCPA member communities of Buena Park, Fullerton or Irvine. Particular focus will be given to the organizations focused on underrepresented communities and multilingual campaigns. The grant also prioritizes initiatives that bring multiple partners together to collaborate on renewable energy education.

“As a not-for-profit energy provider, the Bright Futures Grants are one way Orange County Power Authority is reinvesting revenue in the community by partnering with organizations who bring forward innovative programs that will help educate our residents and businesses about renewable energy and proactively address climate change in Orange County,” said OCPA Board Chair Fred Jung.

In 2023, Bright Futures Grants were awarded to four nonprofit organizations who developed hands-on STEAM experiences for student field trips; attended community events and conferences to educate the community on clean energy and sustainable solutions; introduced money-saving, sustainable living strategies in underserved communities; and implemented multilingual outreach programs to build support for city-wide Climate Action Plans. More details about previous grant recipients can be found here.

Bright Futures Grant details and eligibility can be found below and on OCPA’s website.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Non-profits, schools, colleges, universities and educators based in an Orange County Power Authority member agency community that serve Buena Park, Fullerton and Irvine residents
• Focus on educating the community on the benefits of renewable energy and Community Choice Aggregation
• Target underrepresented communities and multilingual campaigns
• Must demonstrate clear goals and objectives, a budget, and a plan for sustainability
• Partnerships with multiple agencies are highly desired, but not required
• Applicant organization must be an Orange County Power Authority customer, or an entity that serves OCPA customers

If applicant is a customer, their account should be in good standing and have a past-due balance no greater than 60 days.

About Orange County Power Authority

The Orange County Power Authority is a not-for-profit public agency that offers clean power at competitive rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling reinvestment in local energy programs. To learn more, visit www.ocpower.org.