Mission and Values

Tacoma Public Utilities is a department of the City of Tacoma. Its three operating divisions are Tacoma Power, Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. Click! Network is a business unit within Tacoma Power.

Our mission: Tacoma Public Utilities will provide competitive, environmentally responsible electric, water and rail services through teamwork, technology and innovation.

We believe in and are committed to:

• Serving our customers
• Respecting people
• Caring for our community and the environment
• Achieving excellence
• Operating safely

Guidelines

In evaluating funding requests, Tacoma Public Utilities must consider certain legal requirements set forth in the City Charter and the Washington State Constitution. Such funds need to serve a proper utility purpose, provide a benefit to the utility and not be in violation of the prohibition against gifts of public funds.

Proper utility purposes include, but are not limited to:

• Providing positive brand exposure opportunities.
• Supporting divisional marketing goals, conveying educational messages to the community and customers.
• Relating to economic growth and development in TPU’s service area.
• Supporting educational programs consistent with the mission of Tacoma Public Utilities.
• Promoting environmental education, particularly the wise use of power and water.

We cannot accept requests for the following:

• Scholarships or donations for individuals to attend camps, schools, pageants, tours, trips, etc.
• Sports teams or sporting-related events
• Political organizations or candidates for political office
• Organizations that discriminate against any group
• Programs that promote or endorse a specific religious affiliation
• Enclosures with utility bills
• Programs outside of our service or project areas
• For-profit organizations
• More than one request per organization per year

Funding Requests

Tacoma Public Utilities includes funding in its annual budget for marketing through organizations that support TPU’s goals and that meet the above-mentioned guidelines. Several factors influence funding decisions, including available budget and resources and benefits to Tacoma Public Utilities and its customers.

Tacoma Public Utilities will use an application process to identify events and organizations that best meet the guidelines and serve the best interests of the utilities and their customers. Organizations or events approved for funding will be included in the TPU budget for that year.

Agency representatives seeking support must complete a Request for Funds application, outline the amount requested and provide a detailed list of marketing opportunities for Tacoma Public Utilities. This application process will be conducted on an quarterly basis only as funding will not be automatically renewed or guaranteed from year to year. Upon approval of the request and prior to the event date, the event management and Tacoma Public Utilities will be required to sign a contract that states the funding amount and benefits to Tacoma Public Utilities.

Upcoming deadlines for the 2010 year:

Quarter 1: Application due January 1, Notification date Jan 29

Quarter 2: Application due April 1, Notification date April 23

Quarter 3: Application due July 1, Notification date July 22

Quarter 4: Application due October 1, Notification date Oct 21

Evaluation

Support may be given to organizations that align with Tacoma Public Utilities’ mission and values, demonstrate a clear need for private financial help, enhance our community with projects that have measurable results and demonstrate a proven record of providing services to the community. Program requests also will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Non-profit, 501(c)(3) status
• Alignment with City Charter and State Constitution requirements
• Benefit to Tacoma Public Utilities

All requests will be evaluated by the Director of Utilities and Senior Management Team. The Public Utility Board may also review certain requests.

Direct questions to Erika Tucci, Social Responsibility Program Manager, (253) 502-8225 or etucci@cityoftacoma.org.

Request community event support or in-kind services.