Town of Telluride Green Grant Program

Telluride Green Grants is a locally funded initiative supported by the Town of Telluride and administered by EcoAction Partners. It operates under the framework of the Telluride Energy Mitigation Program (TEMP), which stems from the town’s Green Building Codes. The program plays a vital role in advancing Telluride’s Climate Action Plan goals—aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 and by 94% by 2040, compared to 2010 levels. The initiative focuses on tangible, measurable strategies for greenhouse gas reduction within the Telluride community and seeks to enhance energy and water use efficiency, foster renewable energy adoption, and support other environmentally sustainable practices. This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that have a clear and quantifiable impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible initiatives include energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy installations, and other innovative efforts that result in reduced reliance on electricity and fossil fuels. All projects must have a minimum operational life of five years and demonstrate clear local or regional benefits. Grants range from $500 to $25,000, with the possibility of up to $40,000 in special cases, depending on project scope and review. Only electronic submissions are accepted. The grant is open to for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, government entities, and individuals (whether renters or property owners) who live or work in the Town of Telluride. Applicants must propose projects that are ready for implementation and can be completed within a 12-month period. Eligible uses of funds include direct project costs. General administrative costs are not normally eligible unless specifically deemed necessary by the review committee. Grantees are required to submit a final report and a testimonial letter for local newspaper publication before funds are disbursed. The evaluation process involves a Green Grant Review Committee, which includes the town’s Energy Action Coordinator, a representative from the Ecology Commission, and a local expert in sustainability. The committee assesses applications based on multiple criteria: environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, public visibility, community benefit, equity considerations, innovation, and technological viability. Projects that address affordability for low-income residents or seniors and those that leverage additional funding sources are particularly encouraged. The 2025 application timeline begins with the release of the required Intent to Apply form on July 21, 2025. This form must be submitted by November 3, 2025. Full applications are due by November 14, 2025. Award decisions will be announced on December 12, 2025, with grant agreements finalized by January 9, 2026. All funded projects must be completed, including reporting, by December 15, 2026. EcoAction Partners provides application support, including follow-up discussions after submission of the Intent to Apply. This program is not open to applicants nationwide but is instead geographically limited to those associated with the Town of Telluride. Full application instructions and access to the Intent to Apply form are provided via the EcoAction Partners website. All awarded grants and project details will be made public, though applicants may request confidentiality during the review process by marking their applications accordingly.

Applicants are encouraged to pursue matching funds and focus on measurable environmental outcomes and community benefit.