SEEL Energy Efficiency Grants

The SEEL Energy Efficiency Grant is one of the key offerings within the Solar, Energy Efficiency, and Lighting (SEEL) Program led by the City of Bloomington’s Environmental Sustainability Department. This local initiative provides $10,000 reimbursement grants to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations in implementing energy efficiency upgrades that reduce building energy demand. The SEEL program reflects Bloomington’s commitment to climate resilience and greenhouse gas reduction while also supporting the operational capacity of organizations that serve the community. Grants are structured as reimbursements and require that applicants receive project-specific approval prior to beginning any work. To ensure energy savings and project viability, each approved applicant receives a complimentary energy assessment from the SEEL program partner IFF. This professional facility energy audit, valued at $4,000, helps guide participants in selecting effective upgrades aligned with the SEEL program’s goals. The City of Bloomington covers the full cost of this assessment, which is not deducted from the $10,000 grant amount. Eligible project types span several categories of building systems. These include LED lighting upgrades (such as converting outdated fixtures, replacing old LEDs, and installing motion sensors), high-efficiency HVAC systems with modern compressor and blower technologies, and advanced water heaters using electric heat pump, solar, or geothermal technologies. Building envelope improvements like insulation, weatherization, cool roofing, and window and door replacements also qualify. All improvements must meet specific energy standards such as SEER ratings, U-factors, and Energy Star or DLC certifications. Projects involving properties in historic districts must be cleared with the City’s Historic Preservation Program Manager prior to implementation. The application process begins with submission of an eligibility check form through the SEEL application system (CiviForm), which requires users to log in or create an Access Indiana account. Leased facilities must submit contact information for the property owner to allow for signature collection on a required disclosure form. Eligible applicants then proceed to the full application and connect with the SEEL coordinator to arrange an energy assessment. Once the report is reviewed with the applicant, they are responsible for selecting a qualified contractor, obtaining a project quote, and submitting it for final approval. Work may not begin until this approval is received. Projects must be proposed and approved before the end of calendar year 2026. Upon project completion, grant recipients must submit a final paid invoice to the SEEL coordinator, who will conduct a site visit. The City of Bloomington then issues the $10,000 grant payment following legal and controller review. While the SEEL program funds up to $10,000 in reimbursements, any additional project costs must be financed independently, including through low-interest loans or other mechanisms. The City offers guidance but does not administer these external resources directly. Contractor selection is left to the grantee and must conform to the technical requirements specified by the SEEL program. A list of local contractors is provided on an opt-in basis to assist applicants in identifying qualified vendors. This list includes contact details for contractors specializing in HVAC, lighting, and water heater installations. However, inclusion on the list does not constitute an endorsement by the City. Through this combination of funding, technical support, and flexibility, the SEEL Energy Efficiency Grant empowers organizations across Bloomington to improve their facilities’ energy performance and long-term sustainability.