Community Involvement

Every great organization has a purpose. Ours is you.

At PGE, bringing our customers safe, affordable and reliable energy is what we do every day. But Oregonians expect more from their energy company. That’s why we partner with community organizations and support our employees in giving back. Together, we’re empowering youth, addressing climate change and supporting economic prosperity in the communities we serve. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to equity.

PGE Project Zero

Oregon students want to play a part in fighting the climate crisis. We’re here to help them do just that. Project Zero PGE is our commitment to engaging the next generation in climate science learning, clean energy solutions, and the green jobs of tomorrow.

Learn more about Project Zero’s three focus areas:

Educating youth

Working with schools and non-profits to empower youth to explore climate change science, imagine and innovate solutions, and become changemakers.

Environmental stewardship

Enhancing parks and greenspace in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by climate change.

Workforce development

Paid internships for young adults to reduce barriers of entry to the clean energy economy.

Empowering the community

Project Zero is just one of the many ways PGE and our customers support the community.

PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric. The Foundation donates about $1 million annually in grants to community-based organizations with a focus on education, arts and culture, and career pathways.

Grants & sponsorships

We support organizations improving the lives of Oregonians through education, community events, and environmental stewardship initiatives.

Our customers are supporting the community, too

At the corporate level and through our foundation, we invest resources to improve the lives of Oregonians while building an affordable, equitable clean energy future. But we know true, meaningful change starts at home. A big thank you has to go out to our customers for their support and funding these important community programs:

PGE Drive Change Fund

Transportation contributes 40% of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions. We believe transportation electrification can have a substantial impact on the environment and communities we serve. The Drive Change Fund is funded by the sale of Clean Fuels program credits from customers charging electric vehicles (EVs) at home. By supporting community organizations and businesses, the fund encourages EV adoption.

PGE Renewable Development Fund

The Renewable Development Fund awards grants for clean energy projects in the community. Projects like this 100kW DC rooftop solar array at the Rockwood Boys & Girls Club are funded in part by PGE customers who choose Green Future renewable energy programs.

PGE Transportation Matching Fund

We’re excited to see the impact electric transportation will have on Oregon’s clean energy future. We know strong adoption of electric vehicles depends on reliable, fast-charging infrastructure, and thanks to funding from the Clean Fuels program, we’re matching the funding you've received for these projects.

The PGE Transportation Matching Fund is an opportunity for public agencies, community-based organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions and others to partner with PGE in support of making electric transportation more accessible across Oregon. For more information, view our fact sheet PGE then reach out to us at matchingfunds@pgn.com to get started.

Employee community engagement

PGE employees and retirees are generous with their time and money. They record more than 18,000 volunteer hours annually, making them one of the most industrious corporate volunteer teams in Oregon.

Employees and retirees contribute financially through PGE’s Employee Giving Campaign, ranking nationally in the 90th percentile for participation among utilities. In 2022, their contributions, combined with a 100% company match, totaled more than $2.5 million.

Protecting land and wildlife

Did you know that PGE supports the land and wildlife that our generation plants sit on? Well, we do! Learn more about our efforts to make these outdoor spaces great for the wildlife that lives there and available for the public to enjoy.

Habitat Support

When PGE customers sign up for Green Future, many also choose Habitat Support as a way to help fund the Nature Conservancy. For nearly 60 years, they’ve been working in Oregon to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends by protecting vital habitats and natural resources.

Clackamas Habitat Fund

We’re awarding $8 million through 2030 to assist conservation organizations, governmental agencies and landholders in improving habitat in areas where native fish migrate, spawn and rear in the Clackamas River Basin.

Pacific Lamprey Fund

The Pelton Round Butte Lamprey Fund was established to protect and research existing populations while supporting habitat enhancement efforts downstream of the Pelton Round Butte Project. We plan to award $3 million for in-stream habitat improvements, barrier removal, passage feasibility and reintroduction, as well as research surrounding migration, core spawning areas and population sizes.

Pelton Round Butte Fund

The Pelton Round Butte Fund was set up to protect and enhance fish habitats in the Deschutes River Basin. In partnership with the Warm Springs Tribes, we’ve invested $26.5 million in projects such as removing fish passage barriers, stabilizing stream banks, restoring channels and floodplains and conserving water.