Community Giving

Cal Water is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. Through our community giving program, we make strategic investments in organizations, programs, projects, and events that make a difference for those who live in our service areas across California.

We accept applications for the funding of community initiatives year-round. All requests must be submitted through our online application system. We are unable to accept applications in other formats.

Application Management

Application Tips

Strong applications for the funding of community initiatives:

  • Show how the initiative will provide benefits to the communities Cal Water serves and their residents.
  • Illustrate how the initiative will benefit a diverse, at-risk, or underserved community or population.
  • Include a method by which to measure, track, and report one or more initiative outcomes and specific results that demonstrate measurable community impact.
  • Provide volunteer opportunities for Cal Water’s employees.
  • Include a marketing plan that will announce sponsors’ support of the community initiative.
  • Include the items listed on the required information page.

Funding Restrictions

Cal Water’s community giving program will not provide funding to:

  • Organizations or initiatives that discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age with respect to employment, volunteer participation, or the provision of services or benefits.
  • Organizations or initiatives that have a substantial purpose of influencing any political, legislative, or regulatory cause.
  • Individuals for their personal endeavors, such as sports tournaments or marathons.
  • Raffles, auctions, or similar games of chance.
  • Organizations or initiatives that are unable to measure, track, and report on initiative outcomes and specific results that demonstrate measurable community impact.

2023 Community Support By the Numbers

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Box with money falling into it Pile of books with graduation cap State of California Fire station

2022 Community Support By the Numbers

  • $1.5M+ donated to community organizations and customers
  • $80K awarded in college scholarships to 12 students
  • 24 service districts supported
  • 8 fire departments granted with $186K+ to help pay for life-saving equipment

Corporate Contributions and Community Service by Area

Percent Item Amount
2% Animal welfare $29K
9% Youth support $136K
1% Veteran support $22K
14% Support for firefighters, police, and first responders $223K
5% Healthcare $59K
4% Environmental stewardship and sustainability $53K
2% Emergency preparedness and disaster response $34K
13% Education $210K
22% Community improvement, economic growth, and workforce development $350K
22% Assistance for at-risk, underserved, and disadvantaged communities $352K
6% Other $90K

These financial contributions do not exact a current or future toll on customer bills. No one’s bill is higher because we help; no one’s bill would be lower if we stopped helping.