PPL Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.4 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months from application deadline
• Grant Range: Varies by program - Major Grants $25,000+; other programs vary
• Geographic Focus: Pennsylvania (29 counties served by PPL Electric Utilities) and Rhode Island

Contact Details

Website: www.pplweb.com/communities/ppl-foundation/
Application Portal: https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=6446&x_quiz_id=12000&x_order_by=1

Overview

The PPL Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization funded solely by PPL Corporation, formed to support community initiatives in the areas served by PPL Corporation's utilities. Established as the charitable arm of PPL Corporation, one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, the foundation has been empowering communities for decades. With assets of approximately $54 million and annual giving exceeding $5 million, the foundation supports over 400 organizations annually. The foundation's mission is to empower communities by supporting student success from cradle to career and promoting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities. In 2024, the foundation awarded 271 grants totaling over $5.4 million across Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, with a clear focus on education, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable community development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Pennsylvania Programs:

1. Powering Equity Grants (Jan. 1-Feb. 15)

   • Focus: Supporting underserved communities and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
   • Recent awards: $200,000 to 30 nonprofit organizations
   • Examples include diversity education programs, access to higher education, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship

2. Empowering Communities Grants (May 1-June 15)

   • Focus: Environmental stewardship, economic development, and workforce development
   • Recent awards: Approximately $500,000 to multiple organizations
   • Timeline: Applications reviewed in June, winners notified in August

3. Energizing Education Grants (Aug. 1-Sept. 15)

   • Focus: STEM, literacy, college/career readiness programs
   • Recent awards: Nearly $300,000 to 39 nonprofits
   • Timeline: Applications reviewed in November, winners notified in December

4. Major Grants (Aug. 1-Sept. 15)

   • Amount: $25,000+ for select Pennsylvania nonprofits
   • Focus: Education, community revitalization, and workforce development
   • Timeline: Applications reviewed October-November, decisions in December
   • Expects to award over $3 million annually

5. EITC Grants (June 1-July 15)

   • Focus: Educational improvement organizations
   • Timeline: Applications reviewed in August, winners notified in Fall

Rhode Island Programs:

• Rhode Island Empowering Communities Grants
• Administered separately through Rhode Island Energy Foundation
• Covers five counties: Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington

Priority Areas

Education

• Early childhood education
• STEM programs
• Literacy initiatives
• Summer learning programs
• Career and college preparatory programs
• Supporting equitable and engaging high-quality educational opportunities for all students, with particular emphasis on those in need

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Programs that strengthen communities by enhancing resources and expanding opportunities
• Supporting communities where all are respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential
• Programs focused on protecting underrepresented residents
• Diversity education and advocacy

Sustainable Communities

• Public safety initiatives
• Emergency and disaster preparedness
• Environmental conservation
• Social and economic growth
• Developing the future workplace of the energy sector

What They Don't Fund

• Municipalities
• Churches
• Schools
• Chambers of commerce
• Multi-year commitments
• Scholarship funding (except through separate scholarship programs)
• Political or religious group requests
• Operational expenses for Pennsylvania grant programs

Governance and Leadership

The PPL Foundation is governed by a board that includes senior executives from PPL Corporation:

Key Leadership:

• Lissette Santana, President of PPL Foundation
• Vincent Sorgi, President and CEO of PPL Corporation (serves on foundation board)
• David K. Arthur, Vice President-Public Affairs and Sustainability at PPL (serves on foundation board)

Leadership Perspective:

Lissette Santana has articulated the foundation's values through several statements:

"At the heart of the PPL Foundation is a deep commitment to empowering people and organizations that are working every day to make life better for others."

"Across our communities, nonprofit organizations are doing incredible work – helping families access fresh food and safe housing, supporting small businesses, protecting our environment, and opening doors to career pathways. We're proud to stand alongside these organizations and invest in their efforts to make our communities more resilient and sustainable."

"STEM education plays a critical role in shaping the future of our communities and workforce."

"PPL supports communities where all are respected, valued and free to reach their full potential in life."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the PPL Foundation's online portal at https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=6446&x_quiz_id=12000&x_order_by=1

Application Process:

1. First-time users must complete a profile and create a password in the application portal
2. Click "Start a New Grant Application" during an open grant cycle
3. Required information includes:
   • Organization contact information
   • Organizational profile
   • Request summary
   • Uploads of relevant documents (annual budget, program budget, annual reports, brochures, etc.)
4. Applications can be saved as drafts
5. Applications must be reviewed before submitting
6. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited

Eligibility:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Must be located in PPL Electric Utilities' 29 Pennsylvania counties (or demonstrate that activities benefit this region)
• Organizations can receive only one grant per calendar year
• Organizations outside the PPL Electric Utilities region may be considered if they prove their activities benefit the region

Decision Timeline

Powering Equity Grants:

• Applications: Jan. 1-Feb. 15
• Review: March
• Notification: May

Empowering Communities Grants:

• Applications: May 1-June 15
• Review: June
• Notification: August

Energizing Education Grants:

• Applications: Aug. 1-Sept. 15
• Review: November
• Notification: December

Major Grants:

• Applications: Aug. 1-Sept. 15
• Review: October-November
• Notification: December

Grant applicants receive written notification of the grant award decision and can view the status of their requests in the foundation's online portal.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose specific success rate statistics. However, in 2024, the foundation made 271 awards across all programs, supporting over 400 organizations annually with total giving exceeding $5.4 million.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy is not explicitly stated in public materials. Organizations are limited to one grant per calendar year, which suggests organizations can apply to different grant cycles within the year but can only receive one award annually. For specific questions about reapplying after an unsuccessful application, applicants should contact the foundation directly.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

Strong Alignment with Core Focus Areas: All applications undergo the same review process, with specific focus on whether projects align with the PPL Foundation's core mission and focus areas of education; diversity, equity and inclusion; and sustainable communities.

Addressing Community Needs: Applications are evaluated on whether they:

• Address an urgent need in the community
• Target underserved populations
• Fill a unique niche or complement other ongoing efforts in the community

Regional Review Process: Applications are reviewed by regional committees of local PPL employees and the officers and board of the PPL Foundation. Regional committees are made up of employees who live and work in the communities they serve, providing local insight into community needs.

Recent Funded Projects as Examples:

Powering Equity:

• ASSETS Lancaster, IM ABLE Foundation (Wyomissing), and LEAF Project (Landisburg) received funding for programs supporting diversity and inclusion
• The Cooperage Project in Honesdale received funding for LGBTQ+ programming
• The Edible Classroom (Lancaster) received funding to expand operations in two districts

Empowering Communities:

• UPMC in North Central Pa. and Susquehanna Health Foundation received funding for a nursing co-op program
• Wildlife Leadership Academy in Lock Haven received funding for hands-on learning materials and field schools

Energizing Education:

• Children's museums, public libraries, and educational institutions across the seven-county northwest region
• Pennsylvania College of Technology Community Arts Center
• Programs focused on STEM, literacy, and college/career readiness

Geographic Connection: Strong preference for organizations located in the 29 counties served by PPL Electric Utilities, including major cities like Allentown, Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Scranton, and Williamsport.

Measurable Impact: Applications should demonstrate how the program will create tangible outcomes in education, inclusion, or community sustainability.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Know your grant cycle: The foundation operates three distinct grant programs throughout the year with specific deadlines and focus areas. Choose the program that best aligns with your project.

• Geographic alignment is critical: Your organization should be located in or directly benefit one of the 29 Pennsylvania counties served by PPL Electric Utilities, or be in Rhode Island's five-county service area.

• One grant per year limit: Organizations can only receive one grant per calendar year, so choose your application timing strategically.

• Local review matters: Applications are reviewed by regional committees of PPL employees who live and work in the communities served. Demonstrating local impact and community knowledge is valuable.

• Focus on the three pillars: Ensure your application clearly addresses at least one of the foundation's three core areas: education, diversity/equity/inclusion, or sustainable communities.

• Serve underserved populations: The foundation explicitly values programs that address urgent community needs and target underserved populations.

• Complete documentation required: Have your annual budget, program budget, annual reports, and organizational brochures ready before starting the application.

• Plan for a 3-4 month timeline: From application deadline to notification, expect approximately three to four months for the review and decision process.

References

• PPL Foundation official website: https://www.pplweb.com/communities/ppl-foundation/ (accessed January 2026)
• PPL Foundation Pennsylvania Grants page: https://www.pplweb.com/communities/ppl-foundation/pa-grants/ (accessed January 2026)
• PPL Foundation Major Grants page: https://www.pplweb.com/communities/ppl-foundation/major-grants/ (accessed January 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report on PPL Foundation: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/ppl-foundation (accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/ppl-foundation,461605118/ (accessed January 2026)
• "PPL Foundation awards $1 million to Pennsylvania nonprofits," Philanthropy News Digest (accessed January 2026)
• "PPL Foundation awards $450,000 to more than 70 community organizations throughout Pennsylvania," PPL Newsroom (accessed January 2026)
• "PPL Foundation makes $500,000 Empowering Communities grants," LVB (accessed January 2026)
• Various press releases and news articles from PPL Corporation and local Pennsylvania news outlets documenting 2024 grant awards (accessed January 2026)