Sempra Energy Family of Companies Donate $6 Million in COVID-19 Relief

The Sempra Energy family of companies are deeply engrained in the communities we serve – from California to Texas, Mexico and beyond. In these times of hardship, it is critical we all come together and support one another. Together, our family of companies have donated more than $6 million to coronavirus relief efforts.

Sempra Foundation’s New Nonprofit Hardship Fund

One critical facet of this community support is the Sempra Energy Foundation’s Nonprofit Hardship Fund, which will provide $1.75 million in grants to nonprofit organizations serving populations affected by COVID-19.

The Nonprofit Hardship Fund will provide grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofit organizations serving populations affected by COVID-19. Since the Hardship Fund’s inception on March 23, we’ve received over 1,500 applications. To date, we have already distributed nearly $700,000 to critical organizations across three states helping to meet COVID 19-related basic needs for vulnerable populations, and we are working quickly to distribute the remaining funds.

Through this $1.75 million donation, we’re investing in the communities where we operate. Specifically, $1 million will be made available for nonprofit organizations in California, while $500,000 and $250,000 will be made available to nonprofit organizations in Texas and Louisiana, respectively.

"Many nonprofit organizations are faced with unprecedented demand for their services due to the current COVID-19 situation," said Dennis Arriola, board chair of the Sempra Energy Foundation, and executive vice president and group president of Sempra Energy. "These grants will help them to continue serving the needs of vulnerable populations who need their support now more than ever."

We are now reviewing the next tranche of applications and prioritizing the requests that best match our funding guidelines. Also, our online application process is now closed. With so many requests already in the queue, we expect to exhaust the funds shortly. If you have applied, thank you for your application, and for all you are doing to help others during this difficult time.

Strengthening the Communities we Serve

The Sempra Energy family of companies are uplifting individuals, families and businesses in a variety of ways, upholding our vision of delivering energy with purpose. Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) took action in aiding nonprofits, donating $1 million dollars to nonprofit organizations throughout its service area to support the region's workforce, feed the hungry, and provide bill assistance to customers most affected by the coronavirus. For more information, read this news release from SoCalGas.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) also took proactive steps by helping launch the COVID-19 Community Response Fund to address San Diegans’ growing needs amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Announced on March 16, the fund was initially seeded with $1.3 million, including $1 million from SDG&E and $300,000 from The San Diego Foundation, and has now grown to more than $6.5 million. The fund will rapidly deploy flexible resources into the community to support programs and organizations addressing the effects of the coronavirus outbreak across San Diego County. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to donate via the San Diego Foundation website.

IEnova, Chilquinta Energia and Luz del Sur are also actively supporting communities through the coronavirus pandemic, contributing to meal delivery programs, food banks and more. Learn more about Sempra Energy’s corporate giving.