The Sempra Energy family of companies funds programs that support the environment; education & leadership development; emergency preparedness & safety; and economic, community and business development through partnerships with local chambers, economic development councils and industry associations.
General exclusions and restrictions for charitable contributions
We generally do not accept or fund requests for charitable contributions that benefit:
- Individuals, with the exception of company-sponsored scholarship programs.
- Private foundations and endowment funds.
- Groups that practice discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disabilities, race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry.
- Sectarian or denominational religious groups, except for programs that are broadly promoted, available to anyone and free from religious orientation.
- Political parties, candidates or partisan-political groups.
We generally do not fund requests for these types of programs:
- General operating expenses
- Travel expense
- Loans or loan guarantees
- Debt reduction or past operating deficits
- Liquidation of an organization
- Capital-improvement or building funds
- Reducing or donating the cost of any natural gas or electrical service that other customers of our utility companies must pay for, with the exception of the programs approved by the California Public Utilities Commission administered by San Diego Gas & Electric® and Southern California Gas Co.
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The Sempra Energy family of companies support programs in our giving areas that embrace diversity and provide measurable outcomes for the communities where we do business. We appreciate groups that work creatively and collaborate with others to address issues in the most efficient way. We believe that some of the best ideas are born from an environment of innovation. Because we want to make a difference, we favor partnerships that clearly define how success will get measured and have mechanisms in place to track results and outcomes.
The Sempra Energy family of companies uses a four-step process to evaluate applications and award grants.
We know you are busy so we've designed a system to save you time. Please note that the process may take between four to six weeks, so please keep that in mind when submitting your proposal.
Additionally, as a committment to protect the environment and process applications more efficiently, we only accept online applications. Applications received through the mail will not be considered.
The Sempra Energy family of companies accept applications April through October of each year.
Four-Step Application Process
Step 1
Review the giving areas, funding guidelines, and FAQs to ensure that your program fits the criteria outlined for funding by the Sempra Energy family of companies.
Step 2
Complete the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) form. This form will be reviewed to determine if it meets our areas of focus and criteria. If the program does meet the guidelines, the requestor will be notified and asked to fill out a detailed, on-line grant application form. Requestors will be notified either way on the next steps for their LOI.
Step 3
If you are invited to complete an on-line grant application form, an e-mail will be sent detailing the process for the grant application. All applications will receive an email response or letter within a 4 to 6-week time period to let applicants know if this request will be funded.
Step 4
If you receive a grant from the Sempra Energy family of companies, you will be asked to complete and return a tax receipt within three months of receiving the donation. A tax form you can use will be included with the contribution and funding agreement letter.
Submit a letter of inquiry (LOI)
Complete an LOI that is in progress
For questions on the process, you can e-mail Community@Sempra.com
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