Foundation Guidelines

Through the Spectra Energy Foundation, we proudly invest in our communities through charitable contributions, to positively impact the communities where we operate and where our employees live.

The criteria that the Spectra Energy Foundation considers when evaluating a grant request are listed below.

Application Process

The Spectra Energy Foundation utilizes an online grant request process to consider funding requests. To begin the process, please carefully read the qualifications and other considerations outlined below. If your organization qualifies, you may submit an Online Grant Application to begin the application process. Our annual budgeting process begins in early summer for the following calendar year. Although requests will be accepted throughout the year, applicants are encouraged to submit requests by June 1 for the following calendar year. Please note that Foundation funds are limited and, unfortunately, we are unable to support all requests.

Qualifications for Non-Profit Organizations

In the U.S., grant recipients must be organizations with a 501(c)(3) verification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or part of a governmental entity. In Canada, grant recipients must be recognized as a charitable organization registered with the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA).

In addition, all organizations applying for a grant must submit to the Spectra Energy Foundation:

  • The completed the Online Grant Application;
  • A clear reason for making the contribution that relates to our areas of focus; and
  • Regular reports on the measurable results of the project.

Other Considerations for Applicant Organizations

In keeping with Spectra Energy’s community relations mission, we have developed focus areas to ensure that our contributions remain strategic and have the greatest benefits to our communities. Spectra Energy Foundation will consider grant requests from qualified organizations that promote the following areas of focus.

Educational Attainment

  • Programs that help ensure at least a high school education or equivalency for at-risk students
  • Pre-K through 12 education that meets the company/communities’ professional needs, including math, science, technology and business acumen

Community Vitality

  • Health and human services, through federated campaigns (i.e. United Way)
  • Environmental conservation, education and research
  • Community leadership development
  • Targeted arts giving

Competitive Workforce

  • Job entry skills for the new economy
  • Retraining of unemployed and underemployed workers
  • Research needed to retool industries and create opportunities that fit the potential of each community’s workforce skill pool
  • Higher education that meets the company’s professional needs

Inclusiveness and diversity initiatives underpin all three areas of focus.

Other Restrictions for Applicant Organizations

The Spectra Energy Foundation will not consider funding grants to:

  • Organizations that discriminate by race, creed, gender, age or national origin
  • Political activities and organizations
  • Grants to individual agencies of the United Way, because contributions to health and human service organizations are made through significant support of the United Way by Spectra Energy and its employees.
  • Capital campaigns and endowments
  • Multi-year gifts, commitments or pledges
  • Individuals
  • Athletics, including individual sports teams and all-star teams
  • Underwriting of films, video and television productions
  • Sectarian/religious activities, including churches, synagogues and other places of worship
  • Conferences, trips or tours
  • Fraternal, veteran or labor groups serving only their members
  • Advertising
  • Membership fees or association fees, either personal or corporate
  • Dinners or tables at fund-raising events (rarely considered)
  • Family Foundations