Community Impact Grants Program Surpasses $1 Million Milestone
Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Community Impact Grants (CIG). This year, the company is awarding more than $200,000 to 34 grassroot nonprofit organizations across Allegheny and Beaver counties, bringing the program’s total investment to more than $1 million since its launch in 2021. Funds have been used to support more than 130 organizations committed to building stronger, more resilient communities in the Pittsburgh region.
The CIG program provides microgrants of up to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets under $500,000. These organizations are often excluded from traditional funding streams, yet they are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. The program helps them expand their reach and impact while supporting initiatives that address food access, housing, STEAM education, workforce development and more.
“We’re honored to support organizations that are agile, trusted and uniquely positioned to deliver lasting impact,” said Christine Waller, DLC’s vice president of communications and corporate responsibility. “Surpassing the $1 million milestone in our Community Impact Grants program underscores our commitment to inclusive, community-centered corporate responsibility. We believe lasting impact begins by listening to those closest to the challenges and equipping them with the tools and resources to lead transformative solutions.”
DLC’s CIG program was recently awarded the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) Corporate Citizenship Award for Economic Development. The recognition is presented annually and recognizes EEI member companies for innovative programs that support the growth and development of the communities they serve.
2025 Grants in Action: Supporting Bold Ideas & Local Impact
Here’s a quick look at some of this year’s recipients and how they’ll put CIG funding to good use:
- United Way of Beaver County will expand its United Works program, providing tuition assistance and supportive services to ALICE households — those that are earning above the poverty line but are still struggling to make ends meet. This initiative removes cost barriers to job training and education, helping families achieve long-term financial stability.
- Hill District Collaborative is preserving homeownership and preventing displacement in the Hill District by repairing low-income housing units. Through partnerships with inspectors, architects and contractors, the program ensures residents can safely remain in their homes while strengthening community stability.
- Food Assistance Match will expand SNAP and WIC matching at local farmers markets, improving access to fresh food.
- Garfield Community Farm will grow and distribute 1,500 pounds of produce while offering education on food sovereignty.
- Steel Valley Accelerator will deliver free digital marketing and entrepreneurship training to small business owners in Homestead.
Impact by the Numbers
- 34 grants awarded: 18 new partners and 16 returning organizations.
- Issue areas: 50% focused on basic needs, 35% on both basic needs and workforce development and 15% on workforce development alone.
- Geographic reach: 29 grants in Allegheny County, four in Beaver County and one serving both.
Commitment to Community
Beyond the CIG program, many DLC employees engage directly with grantees through volunteerism and co-hosted programming. This spirit of service is deeply embedded in the company’s culture, exemplified by our inaugural Summer of Service campaign earlier this year, during which employees volunteered more than 1,000 hours with local nonprofits. Our Business Employee Resource Groups also play a key role by partnering with grant recipients to lead volunteer efforts and strengthen community connections.
Fully funded by DLC’s investors, CIG is a strategic expression of the company’s environmental, social and governance commitments and belief in community-centered corporate responsibility. For a deeper look at how this vision comes to life, explore our most recent Corporate Responsibility Report. The full list of grant partners for the 2025 CIG cycle includes:
2025 Awardees
A Giving Heart | Point Breeze Organization |
Abiding Missions | Program for Health Care to Underserved Populations/Birmingham Free Clinic |
Allentown Community Development Corporation | Reentry Coaching Academy |
A's Vision | Roots of Faith |
Moonshot Museum | South Side Community Council of Pittsburgh, Inc. |
Beaver County YMCA | St. Raphael The Archangel Food Pantry |
Brown Mamas | Steel Valley Accelerator |
Coraopolis Community Development Corporation | Team 1708 Amp’d Robotics |
Crop and Kettle | The Center in Midland PA |
Food Assistance Match | The Larimer Consensus Group |
Garfield Community Farm | TransYOUniting |
Hill District Collaborative | United Way of Beaver County |
Hill District Consensus Group | Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh |
We The PPL 412 | Veterans Breakfast Club |
Millvale Community Library | Wilkinsburg Community Ministry |
Outside The Borders Inc. | Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence |
Perfect Love Inc. | Zion Food Pantry |