Sustainable Communities Grants awarded to local groups
Delmarva Power and Sustainable Maryland recently announced the 2025 Sustainable Communities Grant winners, awarding $45,000 to four local organizations spearheading innovative environmental stewardship and community resiliency projects across Delaware and Maryland.
The grant program supports grassroots initiatives that restore local ecosystems, strengthen critical infrastructure and create accessible green spaces for residents across the region.
“Strong communities don’t happen by accident; they’re built through strategic investments and local partnerships,” said Marcus Beal, vice president, government and external affairs, and region president, Delmarva Power. “These grants empower organizations already doing critical work to protect our environment and strengthen our communities in measurable ways, and we’re proud to support them as they support the neighborhoods where our customers and teams live.”
Since launching the program, Delmarva Power has awarded more than $280,000 in funding to local community organizations, supporting projects that have restored habitats, enhanced emergency systems and expanded public education opportunities.
This year, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, based in Rehoboth Beach, received $10,000 for its Bays to Backyards Community Engagement Program. The initiative advances environmental stewardship through restoration projects, education and community partnerships aimed at strengthening ecological health and social cohesion.
First State Community Action Agency Inc. in Georgetown was awarded $10,000 to support the creation of a community resiliency park and green learning space featuring native plantings, gardens and outdoor spaces that promote environmental education and community health.
The Town of Millsboro was awarded $10,000 for installation of an emergency generator at the Millwood Pump Station, ensuring the continuity of essential water and wastewater services during storms and power outages.
American Diversity Group in Cecil and Harford counties in Maryland received $15,000 to support emergency preparedness through a mobile solar health outreach program, equipping vulnerable communities with power, medical testing and educational resources during emergencies.
"Partnerships like this one allow us to amplify the incredible work happening at the local level," said Mike Hunninghake, director of Sustainable Maryland. "When municipalities and nonprofits have the resources they need, they can turn great ideas into lasting impact."
The Sustainable Communities Grant Program complements Delmarva Power’s broader initiatives to advance cleaner energy solutions and support local infrastructure needs. In addition to funding local projects, the company provides customers with tools and programs to reduce energy consumption and emissions, supporting Exelon’s Path to Clean initiative to cut operations-driven emissions 50 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
