Local Energy Grants

The Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, in collaboration with the City of Kennewick’s Community Development Department, has relaunched the Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance the visual appeal of downtown Kennewick by fostering a cohesive image, promoting coordinated signage and store graphics, and complementing existing building façades. The program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to $25,000 per storefront, to support improvements. This program aligns with the broader mission of revitalizing and developing the downtown area, contributing to economic growth and community pride. The primary beneficiaries of this program are property owners and businesses within the designated target area of downtown Kennewick. The impact goals are centered on creating a more attractive and vibrant downtown environment, which in turn is expected to draw more visitors and customers, stimulate local commerce, and encourage further investment in the area. By improving the aesthetics of storefronts, the program directly addresses the need for a unified and appealing commercial district. The program prioritizes eligible improvements such as cleaning and painting, new awnings, canopies, and signs, gutters and downspouts, exterior wall repairs, building-mounted lighting, door and window repairs and replacements, and accessibility improvements. A key focus is on ensuring projects comply with the City of Kennewick Façade Improvement Program Underwriting Guidelines and are evaluated for consistency with an approved color palette by the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership’s Design Committee. The committee specifically encourages a sophisticated and restrained application of color, using vibrant hues for highlights and trim, and softer tones for main building elements. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved downtown area with enhanced curb appeal and a more unified architectural style. Measurable results will likely involve the number of storefronts that undergo renovations, the total investment leveraged by the grants, and potentially increased foot traffic or business activity in the revitalized areas. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in physical improvements and enhancing the aesthetic quality of downtown façades, the program will create a more inviting and economically dynamic environment, leading to increased community engagement and sustained revitalization efforts. The program’s strategic priorities are clearly focused on visual improvement and adherence to design guidelines to achieve these broader community development goals.

This program provides funding for projects that reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in San Miguel, San Juan, and Ouray counties, targeting individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.

The MadiSUN Backyard Solar Grant Program, funded by the City of Madison and managed by RENEW Wisconsin, aims to expand access to solar power for Madison-based community organizations and affordable housing providers. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to promote renewable energy adoption and support local communities, particularly those serving City of Madison residents. By focusing on non-profit 501(c)3 organizations and affordable housing providers, the program strategically targets entities that can leverage solar installations to benefit a significant number of residents, contributing to sustainable development within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations and affordable housing providers located within the City of Madison. The impact goals include increasing the installation of solar systems within these organizations, thereby reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint. Ultimately, this leads to environmental benefits for the City of Madison and provides a long-term, sustainable energy solution for community-focused entities. The program prioritizes organizations that serve City of Madison residents, ensuring that the benefits of solar energy are distributed equitably across the community. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around facilitating solar energy access through financial assistance. Grants are awarded to assist with the installation of solar systems, with funding amounts based on the capacity of the solar energy installed. Specifically, grants fund $250 for every 1 kilowatt of solar energy installed. There are maximum grant amounts of $10,000 for installations less than 100 kilowatts and $15,000 for installations equal to or more than 100 kilowatts. A total of $50,000 in grant funds are available, demonstrating a commitment to making solar power more attainable for eligible organizations. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in solar energy capacity among Madison's community organizations and affordable housing providers. Organizations receiving grants are given 12 months to complete their solar projects, allowing for a timely implementation of these energy solutions. The measurable results will be quantified by the number of kilowatts of solar energy installed through the grants and the number of organizations adopting solar power. This directly contributes to the city's strategic priorities for environmental sustainability and community resilience, with the theory of change positing that direct financial incentives will overcome barriers to solar adoption, leading to widespread benefits.

This funding opportunity is designed for local nonprofit organizations in Park City, Utah, to support services that benefit residents in key areas such as community, housing, and sustainability.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners in Seguin's Downtown Historic District for exterior improvements that enhance the historic character and aesthetic of their buildings.

This program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

This program provides technical assistance to small and vulnerable communities in Maine to improve energy efficiency in public buildings and enhance resilience against climate change impacts.

This program provides funding to residents and community groups in the Worthington School District for projects that strengthen community ties and enhance local neighborhoods.

The City of Dubuque’s Small Business Support Grant is a program designed to assist small business owners with operating costs, offering up to $5,000 in reimbursement for eligible expenses. The program's core goal is to cover immediate business expenses while simultaneously equipping business owners with strategies for sustained success. The City partners with the Fountain of Youth Program to administer the grant, integrating a developmental component into the financial aid. The grant targets small business owners residing within the City of Dubuque limits. Eligible businesses must have fewer than five employees, have been operational for at least 12 months, and the applicant must have filed their 2022 and/or 2023 personal and business income taxes. A key criterion for eligibility is that the applicant must be an individual from a low- to moderate-income household, ensuring the support reaches those who need it most within the community. The program's priorities and focus are twofold: providing short-term financial assistance and fostering long-term business improvement. Recipients are required to participate in an eight-week personal and professional development program facilitated by Fountain of Youth and will be matched with a business mentor. This structured support aims to help business owners enhance their practices and increase their income, moving beyond just immediate financial relief. Expected outcomes include not only the continued operation of businesses due to covered expenses but also improved business practices and increased income for participating owners. The reimbursement model, contingent on participation in personal and professional development activities, reinforces the program's commitment to both immediate aid and sustainable growth. The grant details do not mention a specific "foundation" or its mission alignment, strategic priorities, or theory of change, as this is a city-run grant program.

This grant provides financial assistance to homeowners in Paducah for exterior home improvement projects, encouraging community beautification and property enhancement.

This program provides funding to community groups and nonprofits in Lexington to support projects that expand and maintain the city's urban tree canopy while promoting education about the importance of trees in urban environments.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant, offered by the City of Salisbury, aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots within the Innes Street Improvement District. This program is a matching grant, with the City providing up to $5,000 per project on a 50/50 basis. The grant seeks to align with the City's mission of urban beautification and economic development by incentivizing property and business owners to invest in their properties, thereby improving the overall appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District. The impact goals include fostering a more aesthetically pleasing and vibrant commercial area, attracting more visitors and businesses, and ultimately boosting local economic activity. By supporting a range of projects from minor repairs to substantial rehabilitations and the installation of new pedestrian amenities, the grant targets a broad spectrum of improvements that collectively enhance the district's appeal. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including the introduction of new pedestrian amenities like outdoor seating, planters, awnings, and lighting, as well as the installation of new façade elements and the restoration of storefronts. Other focuses include painting murals, repairing and replacing windows and doors, repointing brick, and implementing green building improvements such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Projects are expected to result in visible improvements to properties, increased pedestrian traffic, and a more positive perception of the Innes Street area. Measurable results could include the number of completed projects, the total investment leveraged through matching funds, and qualitative assessments of improved aesthetics and public engagement. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities for this grant center on urban revitalization and creating a more attractive and sustainable downtown area. The theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for property enhancements, the city can stimulate private investment, which in turn leads to a cumulative positive effect on the district's economic vitality and quality of life for residents and visitors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster community pride and encourage a vibrant local economy through targeted improvements that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

The City of Wickliffe's reimbursement grant program aims to enhance the appearance of commercial storefronts for non-franchised property and business owners. This initiative directly aligns with the City's broader mission to foster economic growth and prosperity by encouraging reinvestment and restoration of commercial properties. The program is designed to improve the exterior aesthetics of commercial buildings, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and attractive business environment within Wickliffe. The primary beneficiaries of this program are commercial, non-franchised property owners and business owners within the City of Wickliffe. The program's impact goals include supporting locally-owned businesses, attracting new businesses, and retaining existing ones. By providing financial assistance for property improvements, the City seeks to create a more appealing commercial landscape that benefits both businesses and the community as a whole. The program prioritizes projects that enhance the visible aspects of commercial properties, including front exterior façades, signage, parking lots, and street-visible hardscaping. Specific focuses include new or restored front doors and windows, painting, siding, tuck pointing, awnings, outdoor cafes, company signage, seal coating or resurfacing of parking lots, and perennial plantings as part of larger hardscape projects. The maximum grant amount for parking lot funding is $1,000, and for annual plantings, it is $200. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the overall aesthetics of commercial properties, increased reinvestment in the commercial sector, and enhanced economic vitality in Wickliffe. The program offers reimbursement assistance of up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000, ensuring that significant improvements can be undertaken. The duration of the grant is stated as more than 10 years, suggesting a long-term commitment to these strategic priorities and a theory of change that posits sustained investment in commercial aesthetics will lead to lasting economic benefits and community development.

This funding opportunity is designed to support local nonprofits, government entities, and public school agencies in Buena Vista County with various project needs.

This program provides financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners in Scituate, Massachusetts, to make essential health and safety repairs and modifications to their primary residences.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in St. Lawrence County, New York, to support initiatives that enhance arts, culture, conservation, education, and overall health and well-being in the community.

United Way in Carroll County, Indiana, is offering grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) Health and Human Services Nonprofit Organizations that align with the Cradle to Career Commitment and Basic Foundational Needs, and are located in or serve Carroll County residents, with applications due by 09/30/2024.

This program provides financial assistance to Butte County residents and businesses for replacing gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment with zero-emission electric alternatives to improve air quality and reduce pollution.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit and for-profit developers to create or improve affordable rental housing for low-income families in Tucson and Pima County.