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 provides services that are vital to our quality of life.

We believe 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:

• Investing in nonprofit capital projects aimed at power or water conservation.
• Promote utility-related professional development of TPU employees and partners or activities that support recruitment for utility-specific jobs.
• Helps TPU practice environmental protection, stewardship or conservation in accordance with TPU's Environmental Policy.
• Build relationships and communicate with hard-to-reach audiences, including:
  • Opportunities for translation of TPU messaging (conservation, safety, etc.) to non-English speaking audiences
  • Engaging with customers eligible for specific programs or discount rates
  • Opportunities to educate customers about the relationship between power and water conservation and lower utility bills

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 supports organizations that help advance 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 explanation of how the program supports TPU's business objectives. This application process will be conducted on an quarterly basis. 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.

Deadlines for the 2012 year:

Quarter 1: Application due Dec 30, 2011, Notification date Jan 20, 2012

Quarter 2: Application due March 30, Notification date April 13

Quarter 3: Application due June 29, Notification date July 13

Quarter 4: Application due Sept 28, Notification date Oct 12

Evaluation

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, community relations officer, (253) 502-8225 or etucci@cityoftacoma.org.

2012 applications are available year-round and must be submitted by the deadlines listed above and well in advance of your event. Last minute applications or applications outside of the above timelines may not be reviewed. Application must be made in time for TPU to receive benefit based on proper utility purposes outlined above.