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For the fifth consecutive year, The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) will provide grants to support independent restaurant owners and their staff. They are doing so through the California Restaurant Foundation’s (CRF) Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. The grants will support a record number of restaurants in Northern and Central California this year.
Resilience Fund applications are being accepted at www.restaurantscare.org/resilience through April 26, 2025. Locally owned restaurants in the Central Coast and South Bay are encouraged to apply.
The PG&E Foundation’s $1.1 million charitable contribution this year will fund $5,000 grants to 188 restaurants and commercial caterers in Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) service area. The number of grant recipients to be awarded is up from 154 last year. The grant funding comes from PG&E shareholders, not customers.
Since 2021, PG&E and the PG&E Foundation have contributed $4.3 million to the CRF’s
Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. This has provided grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 to local restaurants within PG&E’s service area. With this year’s funding, 863 restaurants in Northern and Central California will have benefitted from the grants.
“Local restaurants are more than just places to eat — they’re gathering spots, job creators, and a vital part of our communities’ culture and economy. Through the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, we’re proud to support the hardworking owners and employees who continue to bring heart and flavor to our neighborhoods. This program is one more way we’re helping small businesses thrive,” said Teresa Alvarado, regional vice president for PG&E’s South Bay and Central Coast Region.
Across California, CRF’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund will provide nearly $3.5 million in restaurant grants. This includes a dedicated grant for restaurants impacted by the Los Angeles fires.
Grants can be used for vital business needs including technology and equipment upgrades. They can also help with employee training and retention, and unforeseen hardships.
(See our “From Kitchen to Community” video featuring past grant recipients in PG&E’s service area.)
Apply Now through April 26
Grant applications are being accepted through April 26, 2025. California-based restaurant owners and commercial caterers in PG&E’s service area can apply. Applicants can have up to five locations (although only one location can apply). They must have less than $3 million in annual revenue for the applicant restaurant location. Priority will be given to restaurants that have not previously received a grant, although former recipients may still apply.
CRF began the Resilience Fund in 2021. It started to support restaurants recovering from economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. PG&E and the PG&E Corporation Foundation have supported the program since its inception. The company has maintained its support as restaurants continue weathering fluctuations in the economy.
Assisting Restaurants and Small and Medium Businesses:
On-Bill Financing. PG&E offers 0% interest loans for replacing old and worn-out
equipment with more energy-efficient models. Watch this video to explore how energy
savings are reinvested back into your business to help improve your bottom line.
Rebates for food service equipment. PG&E offers several rebate programs that will help you save money and improve productivity when you upgrade your food service
equipment.
Food Service Technology Center. Access key training programs, design consultants and
test kitchen plans to improve your operations and energy efficiency.
Budget Billing. If you are a small business owner, you can have a predictable bill each
month by enrolling in Budget Billing. The program averages out your monthly bill to
determine your monthly payment, instead of having unpredictable summer bills.
Energy Efficiency Programs. PG&E contracts with external companies to provide a
customize solution for different business sectors.
Find Your Best Rate Plan. Customers can use this online tool to run a rate analysis to
see if they are on the best rate plan for their operations. The tool is projected to save
customers over $9.5 million this year.
Economic Development Rate. This offers eligible business customers the opportunity to lower costs through one of three reduced electric rate options. PG&E developed this rate to help businesses grow or maintain jobs in California. The standard 12% rate is
available throughout our service territory.
For more information on the California Restaurant Foundation, Restaurants Care, or the
Restaurant Resilience Fund, visit restaurantscare.org.