Introduction
The Avangrid Foundation is an independent charitable organisation and the principal philanthropic arm of Avangrid, based in Orange, Connecticut. It supports nonprofit organisations addressing social and environmental inequities, with particular attention to communities where Avangrid and its subsidiaries operate.
Its philanthropic activities span community services, education, workforce training, biodiversity conservation, and arts and culture. Through grants and employee engagement, the foundation combines financial assistance with opportunities for community participation.
History and Background
The foundation was established in 2001 and previously operated under the names Energy East Foundation and Iberdrola USA Foundation. It is incorporated in Delaware and operates as a nonprofit organisation recognised under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Since its establishment, the foundation reports investing more than US$45 million in communities across New York, Connecticut, Maine and other locations. Its grantmaking includes partnerships with national organisations alongside local and regional nonprofits.
Mission and Purpose
The foundation aims to reduce inequities and strengthen communities through charitable investment. Its approach considers the underlying causes and structural barriers affecting people’s opportunities and quality of life.
Its work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, connecting local giving with broader social, environmental and economic priorities.
Four areas guide its funding: community partnerships and social programmes, education and training, environmental conservation and biodiversity, and arts and culture. Education support includes scientific research and innovation, while cultural funding seeks to improve access for underserved populations.
Governance and Structure
The Avangrid Foundation is affiliated with the Iberdrola Foundation in Spain. Its giving is administered independently of Avangrid’s management company and the separate corporate contribution programmes run by operating companies.
An independent Board of Directors and the Iberdrola Foundation Committee oversee an annually coordinated giving process. This structure guides the foundation’s investment priorities and partnerships.
The foundation publishes audited financial statements and Form 990-PF filings, including documents for 2025. These disclosures provide information about its finances and charitable activities.
Funding and Grants
In 2025, the Avangrid Foundation provided more than US$3.1 million in grants to 73 organisations. Recipients included national charities and community organisations operating within Avangrid’s service areas.
Funding is generally offered by invitation. The foundation states that it does not maintain an open call for general proposals or applications. Prospective grant seekers should review its funding guidelines before making contact.
The foundation primarily supports organisations with a presence in communities where Avangrid operates, while also partnering with organisations whose work has wider reach. It does not administer Avangrid operating companies’ separate sponsorship, marketing or corporate contribution requests.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Community Partnerships and Employee Giving
The foundation supports organisations addressing needs such as food insecurity, housing and disaster assistance. Its 2025 partners included Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross.
Through Energized for Good, it also recognises employee volunteering with donations to qualifying organisations and provides matching support for eligible employee giving.
Education and Workforce Development
In September 2026, the foundation announced a US$10,000 grant to Kennebec Valley Community College for five scholarships of US$2,000 each. The awards support students in electrical lineworker and electrical technology programmes during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Scholarship funding can help cover tuition, fees, tools, safety equipment and other educational expenses.
Nonprofit Innovation
A US$125,000 grant supports Northeastern University’s Roux Institute and its 2026 Intrapreneurship for Nonprofits Program. The programme provides workshops, mentorship and strategic guidance to help participating nonprofits develop revenue opportunities and strengthen financial resilience.
The 2026 cohort includes ten nonprofit organisations joining a network of 26 alumni organisations.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
A US$100,000 grant to the Trust for Public Land contributes to the Bridgeport Seawalk project in Connecticut. The initiative aims to create a 20-mile waterfront walking route and recreation areas, illustrating the foundation’s investment in public access and community spaces.
Its published 2024 grantmaking figures also demonstrate the distribution of funding across priorities: approximately US$610,000 for higher education, training and research, US$660,000 for biodiversity and conservation, US$90,000 for arts and culture, and US$2.2 million for community partnerships and collaboration. These figures describe funding allocated rather than independently measured beneficiary outcomes.
Conclusion
The Avangrid Foundation combines community grantmaking, workforce development, environmental investment and employee engagement. For nonprofit organisations researching potential support, alignment with its funding priorities and geographical interests is important, alongside understanding its invitation-based grantmaking process.
For more information, visit here.
