CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $17,273,650 (2023 tax year)
• Total Assets: $74+ million
• Grant Range: $40,000 - $100,000 (typical awards)
• Geographic Focus: Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas (CenterPoint Energy service areas)
• Application Method: Two fixed annual cycles with online application
• Decision Time: Minimum 90 days from submission

Contact Details

Email: CNPGives@CenterPointEnergy.com
Website: www.centerpointenergy.com/foundation
Application Portal: Available through CenterPoint Energy website
Physical Address: 1111 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002-5230

Overview

CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc was established in 2000 and is a 501(c)(3) organisation funded by CenterPoint Energy shareholders (with no impact on customer rates). With assets totalling over $74 million, the Foundation awarded more than $20 million in grants in 2024 to 577 nonprofit organisations. The Foundation's mission is to be "a catalyst in communities by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to achieve extraordinary outcomes," investing in initiatives that improve stakeholders' lives today while building a strong foundation for tomorrow. The Foundation operates on a competitive evaluation model, prioritising programmes with strong impact and measurable outcomes within two strategic funding areas: Community Vitality and Education. According to Foundation President Amanda Schmitt, "The CenterPoint Energy Foundation continues to invest in initiatives that not only improve our stakeholders' lives today, but also build a strong foundation for tomorrow."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The Foundation operates two grant cycles annually, each focused on specific priority areas:

Cycle 1 (January 12 – February 13):

• Focus: Education proposals
• Programmes: Literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), and workforce development
• Application Method: Online portal, fixed deadline at 11:59 p.m. CST
• Decision Timeline: End of April

Cycle 2 (June 15 – July 17):

• Focus: Community Vitality proposals
• Programmes: Environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and affordable housing
• Application Method: Online portal, fixed deadline at 11:59 p.m. CST
• Decision Timeline: End of September

Note: The Foundation explicitly states that "funds are available in each cycle," encouraging organisations to apply during their preferred timeframe.

Priority Areas

Community Vitality:

• Affordable housing and homeownership support programmes
• Initiatives improving community outdoor spaces and quality of place
• Environmental stewardship projects
• Sustainable community development
• Home repair and modification for underserved populations (seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, low-income individuals)

Education:

• Improving literacy rates across all age groups
• Expanding access to STEM programmes
• Workforce development and job training
• Adult education and high school completion programmes
• Mobile and accessible educational opportunities

Target Populations: Priority consideration given to programmes that:

• Serve low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities
• Provide increased access to nonprofit programmes and services
• Demonstrate strong community impact and measurable outcomes

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation does not fund:

• General operating expenditures
• Salaries, fringe benefits, and overhead on a standalone basis (most competitive applications are capital or programmatic in nature)
• Tuition assistance programmes
• Energy assistance (Foundation finances are separate from company operations)
• Organisations outside Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas service areas
• Non-501(c)(3) organisations

Governance and Leadership

Foundation Officers:

• Amanda Schmitt, MPA - Foundation President: Oversees the Foundation from both strategic and financial perspectives, is active in grant management, and seeks innovative ways for the Foundation to participate in communities
• Mark DeBoer - Treasurer
• Brett A. Jerasa - Assistant Treasurer

All officers serve on a voluntary basis and receive no compensation for their Foundation roles.

Leadership Philosophy:

Amanda Schmitt has emphasised the Foundation's commitment to community investment, stating: "The CenterPoint Energy Foundation supports projects contributing to thriving, flourishing communities and the Love Community Center does exactly that and we are proud to be part of the ongoing sustainability of the project." This quote reflects the Foundation's focus on long-term community sustainability and partnership with organisations making lasting impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the CenterPoint Energy Foundation grants portal. The Foundation operates on a fixed cycle schedule with two application periods annually.

Application Requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation
• Primary business address must be in CenterPoint Energy's service area (Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, or Texas - complete county list available in Foundation Guidelines)
• Programmes must align with Foundation priorities (Community Vitality or Education)
• Applications must be submitted by the cycle deadline to be considered

Application Portal: Access at www.centerpointenergy.com/foundation

Decision Timeline

Timeline by Cycle:

• Cycle 1: Applications due February 13 → Board review → Decisions communicated end of April
• Cycle 2: Applications due July 17 → Board review → Decisions communicated end of September

Standard Processing Time: Minimum 90 days from submission to final decision

Notification Method: Applicants are notified of decisions (specific method not publicly disclosed; contact CNPGives@CenterPointEnergy.com for details)

Board Process: The Foundation board meets after the end of each cycle to review applications and make grant decisions.

Success Rates

In 2024, the Foundation awarded 577 grants totalling more than $24 million. While specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, the Foundation evaluates all proposals "on a competitive basis" and notes they receive "substantial application volume."

2024 Statistics:

• 577 grants awarded
• $24,344,310 total awarded
• Average grant size: approximately $42,000
• CenterPoint employees contributed 55,000+ volunteer hours alongside financial support

Recent Cycle Examples (2024-2025 performance):

• First grant cycle of 2025: 199 grants awarded totalling $8.6+ million across four states
• Minnesota 2025 cycle: 35 grants totalling $825,000+
• Indiana 2025 cycle: 55 grants totalling $2.6 million

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. Organisations with questions about reapplication should contact CNPGives@CenterPointEnergy.com.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's stated priorities and recent grant awards, successful applications demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Strong Alignment with Funding Priorities:

The Foundation emphasises that it "strives to fund programs with strong impact and measurable outcomes within our funding priorities." Applications must clearly align with either Community Vitality or Education focus areas for the specific grant cycle.

2. Capital or Programmatic Focus:

The Foundation explicitly states: "The most competitive grant applications will be capital or programmatic in nature." Recent successful grants include:

• Capital Projects: $75,000 for The NeighborCare Programme (home modification installations), $100,000 for JobSource's Heartland Scholar House expansion
• Programmatic Support: $50,000 for Boys & Girls Club STEM Programme, $100,000 for The Works Museum mobile STEAM lab

3. Measurable Outcomes and Impact:

Applications are "evaluated on a competitive basis as we strive to fund programs with strong impact and measurable outcomes." The Foundation prioritises:

• Innovative approaches to community challenges
• Effective programme models with demonstrated results
• Clear metrics for success evaluation

4. Service to Underserved Populations:

Priority consideration goes to programmes that "serve low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities and provide increased access to nonprofit programs and services." Recent successful grants served:

• Seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and low-income homeowners (Neighbourhood Strong, $40,000)
• Adult learners seeking high school completion (Evansville Goodwill Excel Center, $85,000)
• Elementary students across Minnesota (The Works Museum mobile STEAM lab, $100,000)

5. Community Sustainability Focus:

The Foundation values "projects contributing to thriving, flourishing communities" with emphasis on "ongoing sustainability." Applications should demonstrate long-term community benefit beyond the grant period.

6. Independence from Business Relationships:

The Foundation explicitly notes: "The Foundation may not consider business relationships when making grant-award decisions in order to avoid self-dealing practices." Applications are evaluated purely on merit and alignment with Foundation priorities, not on organisational connections to CenterPoint Energy.

7. Geographic Alignment:

Organisations must operate within CenterPoint Energy's service territory in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, or Texas. The Foundation provides a complete county list in their Guidelines document.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Choose the Right Cycle: Apply during Cycle 1 (January-February) for Education projects or Cycle 2 (June-July) for Community Vitality projects—align your proposal with the cycle's focus area for best results.

• Emphasise Capital/Programmatic Needs: The Foundation explicitly prefers capital projects and programmatic support over general operating expenses. Frame your request around specific projects, equipment, expansion, or programme delivery rather than salaries and overhead.

• Demonstrate Measurable Outcomes: Applications are evaluated on "strong impact and measurable outcomes." Include clear metrics, evaluation plans, and evidence of programme effectiveness to stand out in the competitive review process.

• Target Underserved Populations: Priority goes to programmes serving low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities. Clearly articulate how your programme increases access for these populations.

• Plan for 90+ Day Timeline: With minimum 90-day review periods, plan your project timeline and cash flow accordingly. Decisions come in late April (Cycle 1) or late September (Cycle 2).

• Don't Rely on Business Connections: The Foundation cannot consider business relationships with CenterPoint Energy when making grant decisions. Your application will be evaluated solely on its merits and alignment with Foundation priorities.

• Grant Amounts Typically Range $40,000-$100,000: Recent awards show most grants fall within this range, though amounts vary based on project scope and impact. Budget your request accordingly and ensure it's proportionate to your organisation's capacity and the project's measurable outcomes.

References

1. CenterPoint Energy Foundation - Official Website - Accessed December 24, 2024
2. Corporate Giving - Application Process - Accessed December 24, 2024
3. CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc - Candid Foundation Directory - Accessed December 24, 2024
4. CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc - GuideStar Profile - Accessed December 24, 2024
5. CenterPoint Energy Foundation Inc - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Accessed December 24, 2024
6. CenterPoint Energy Foundation awards grants to various organisations - Voice of Alexandria - Accessed December 24, 2024
7. CenterPoint Energy Foundation accepting applications for first grant cycle of 2025 - The Record Newspapers - Accessed December 24, 2024
8. Amanda Schmitt, MPA - Foundation President LinkedIn Profile - Accessed December 24, 2024
9. CenterPoint Energy Foundation awards grants to nearly 200 nonprofit organisations - The Gilmer Mirror - Accessed December 24, 2024
10. CenterPoint Energy Foundation Invests $50,000 in Love Community Center - Rush County Community Foundation - Accessed December 24, 2024