IID Announces up to $35,000 in Grant Funds for Projects that Light Up Community Spaces

IID’s GLOW grants can help fund high-efficiency LED lighting upgrades for outdoor community spaces, such as this illuminated baseball field. 

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is pleased to announce the continuance of its Green Lighting for Outdoor Wellness (GLOW) grant opportunity for 2026, designed to brighten local communities through outdoor energy-efficiency lighting upgrades.

This grant initiative is part of IID’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community well-being, offering grant awards of up to $35,000 per qualified outdoor lighting project designed to promote energy efficiency.

It is open to all IID electrical non-residential customers, including local governments, cities, counties, special districts, school districts, and non-profit organizations, to update outdated sports complex lighting to high-efficiency LED systems.

“We are very happy to continue this successful grant program for 2026, which helps modernize outdoor lighting systems,” said Karin Eugenio, Chairwoman of the IID Board of Directors. “Through GLOW, IID is investing in the health, safety, and vibrancy of our communities where we gather, play, and thrive – making these places safer, greener, and more inviting for all.”

GLOW grants support safer, more accessible community spaces by encouraging the installation of energy-efficient lighting. These upgrades help reduce energy use, lower emissions, and decrease the reliance on costly peak energy resources.

In 2025, IID’s GLOW grants awarded 12 entities a share of $300,000 in public benefit funds, helping illuminate parks, sports fields, and recreation areas across IID’s electric service area. In total, more than 435 lights were installed, saving an estimated 293,378 kilowatt-hours of energy and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 154,000 pounds each year.

Funds for the grant program, which are limited, come from the state-mandated Public Benefits Charge, which supports renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation programs, and assistance for income-qualified customers.

All 2026 projects must be completed by December 8, 2026.

Timeline Highlights:

• Applications Open: Monday, March 30, 2026
• Application Deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026
• Grant Notification Period: Thursday, May 21, 2026
• Milestone Documentation Submission: Thursday, June 11, 2026, by 2 p.m.
• Program Installation and Submission of Closing Documents Deadline: Tuesday, December 8, 2026, by 2 p.m.

Ready to Shine?

IID encourages all eligible entities to apply and help brighten their community spaces. For full program details, eligibility requirements, and a grant application form, please visit iid.com/glow. For inquiries, contact 1-760-482-3417.