Private Energy Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in Connecticut for environmental assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites, particularly in underserved communities, to promote the creation of parks and recreational spaces.

The Small Business Equity Fund (SBEF) grant program, launched by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), provides funding to small businesses in disproportionately impacted communities, specifically Aurora and Commerce City, for energy efficiency upgrades. The program aims to support local small businesses, promote equity and resource efficiency, and enhance operational sustainability. Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000 per business for installations of LED lighting and other small energy upgrades, as well as upfront coverage of up to 70% of the cost for commercial refrigeration equipment replacements. Projects must be approved by the Colorado Green Business Network and are subject to a site visit for eligibility confirmation. Applications can be submitted online until August 1st, 2024, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses must meet certain criteria such as being located in Aurora or Commerce City, operating for at least 2 years, paying utility bills, employing 50 or fewer employees, and being registered with the CO Secretary of State and IRS. To be eligible for additional energy-saving devices, businesses must sign up with Green Biz Tracker and become a Colorado Green Business Network support level member. Pictures of installed equipment must be provided. For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Colorado Green Business Network Specialists via email at cdphe.greenbusiness@state.co.us or phone at 720-968-0366.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community organizations that provide services to improve the quality of life for residents of specific towns, with a focus on low-income and underserved individuals, in areas such as arts, culture, education, environment, health, and social services, while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Laurance & Mary Rockefeller Fund, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to organizations in selected Vermont cities, aiming to enhance the community's physical, cultural, spiritual, and wellness environment, with applications open until October 8, 2024.

This funding program provides financial support to organizations working to improve digital access and skills in underserved communities through the acquisition of devices, client-facing IT support, and the development of digital literacy courses.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

This initiative provides funding and support programs for for-profit businesses in Portland, Oregon, that are at least 51% Black-owned and have been operating for over two years.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region to implement sustainable forestry initiatives that promote environmental justice, improve public health, and create green job opportunities in disadvantaged areas.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a grant program to fund retrofitting existing facilities and related projects that aim to achieve energy and operational cost savings. The program is specifically designed to support public entities in Washington State. While the document does not explicitly state the Department of Commerce's broader mission or theory of change, it can be inferred that this grant aligns with a strategic priority to promote energy efficiency, reduce operational costs for public infrastructure, and contribute to environmental sustainability within the state. The program seeks to empower public agencies to invest in critical upgrades that benefit both their operational budgets and the broader community through reduced energy consumption. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are public entities within Washington State. This includes local agencies such as cities, towns, counties, special districts, municipal corporations, port districts, and authorities. Additionally, public higher education institutions, K-12 public school districts, state agencies, and federally-recognized tribes located within Washington are eligible to apply. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the energy efficiency of public facilities across the state, leading to long-term operational cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. By investing in these entities, the program aims to create more sustainable and fiscally responsible public infrastructure. The grant program prioritizes a range of eligible activities focused on improving facility energy efficiency. These include, but are not limited to, HVAC replacement or upgrades, improvements to other mechanical systems, lighting enhancements, insulation upgrades, window replacements, and the purchase and installation of heat pump and geothermal heating systems. The program also supports broader campus or district energy efficiency measures. These priorities directly address the core objective of achieving significant energy and operational cost savings through tangible infrastructure improvements. The focus is on implementing proven technologies and strategies that yield measurable reductions in energy consumption. Expected outcomes of this grant program include a noticeable reduction in energy consumption and associated operational costs for public facilities throughout Washington State. Measurable results would likely include documented energy savings (e.g., kilowatt-hours saved, therms saved), reduced utility expenses, and potentially a decrease in carbon emissions. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "energy and operational cost savings" suggests a clear intention for quantifiable improvements. The grant's increased cap to $1 million, with a minimum project size of $100,000, indicates a commitment to funding substantial projects that can deliver significant and lasting impacts across the state's public infrastructure.

This initiative provides financial incentives for U.S.-based manufacturers of solar panels and inverters to achieve eco-friendly certification, promoting the development of sustainable solar products.

This fellowship program supports entrepreneurs in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area who are developing innovative solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, hospitals, and government entities in Arkansas to improve access to locally grown foods, particularly in underserved areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for energy efficiency upgrades to their buildings, helping them reduce energy costs and emissions while redirecting savings towards their core missions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments and tribal-led non-profits in the U.S. to develop energy plans that promote renewable energy and sustainability within their communities.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners in Portsmouth for improving and renovating commercial spaces to enhance the local streetscape and attract more interest in the area.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) is offering the Women’s Education Coalition Grant Program, designed to support women in pursuing educational and employment goals. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster increased financial independence and career advancement within the community. By providing renewable grant assistance, KZCF aims to break down financial barriers that often hinder women from accessing further education or professional development, thereby promoting economic mobility and overall community well-being. The Women's Education Coalition is a collaborative effort involving Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; the YWCA of Kalamazoo; and the former Kalamazoo Network, highlighting a collective commitment to empowering women through education. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are women residing in Kalamazoo, Barry, Calhoun, Allegan, St. Joseph, or Van Buren County who have experienced a significant break in their education or are seeking additional education to improve their career and pay opportunities. The primary impact goal is to enhance the financial independence of these women and facilitate their career progression. The grant can be utilized for various educational pathways, including professional development, trade, technology, vocational or certificate programs, as well as associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree programs, accommodating both part-time and full-time students. The program prioritizes underemployed working mothers and those enrolling or already enrolled in not-for-profit educational institutions. This focus underscores KZCF's strategic emphasis on supporting vulnerable populations and promoting access to education within the non-profit sector, which often serves a broader community benefit. Applicants are required to demonstrate how post-high school education will contribute to their goals of increased financial independence, ensuring that the grant's impact is directly linked to tangible personal and economic improvements. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the financial independence and career opportunities for grant recipients. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the program's design suggests that success would be evaluated by the number of women who successfully complete their chosen educational programs, secure better employment, or achieve higher income levels as a direct result of the grant. The foundation's theory of change appears to center on the belief that targeted financial assistance for education directly leads to improved economic stability and empowerment for individuals, which in turn contributes to a more vibrant and equitable community.

This funding opportunity supports local artists in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties to create new public art projects that engage and involve their communities.

Community Engagement Planning Grants in Massachusetts aim to provide support to community-based organizations, municipalities, and other entities to facilitate meaningful community input in the development and deployment of solar energy projects owned by electric and gas distribution companies. The program goals include enabling informed community engagement, providing flexible funding for stakeholder meetings and public participation incentives, building capacity for future collaboration in clean energy projects, creating a framework for robust future community engagement, and facilitating discussions with diverse stakeholders.

This funding program provides financial support for building and business improvements in downtown Jamestown, including a new grant for planning future projects, aimed at local businesses and organizations looking to revitalize the area.