Green Grants

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID), a public utility serving the Imperial and Coachella Valleys in Southern California, administers the Green Grants program through its Public Benefits Program. This initiative reflects IID’s commitment to fostering environmental sustainability and energy conservation within its service territory. Designed specifically to support community-based energy projects, the program provides targeted financial support to nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions and government agencies. The core mission of the Green Grants program is to assist entities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency through eligible, community-driven projects. Funding through the Green Grants program is limited to projects that fall within four key areas: energy efficiency or management upgrades, income-qualified assistance, investment in renewable resources, and research, development, or demonstration of emerging energy management technologies. Applicants must demonstrate how their projects meet at least one of these categories and contribute to the broader environmental and social goals of IID, including reducing air pollution, enhancing natural resource conservation, and improving public health through cleaner energy practices. The program particularly encourages applications that provide public access to project benefits and demonstrate strong community engagement or partnerships. Each approved project may receive up to $2,500 per calendar year. Exceptions to this cap may be granted on a case-by-case basis. While a matching fund is not required, the program strongly encourages applicants to include cost-sharing components such as in-kind contributions or volunteer support. Grant payments are structured based on the award amount: awards at or below $2,500 are disbursed in full upon approval, while awards exceeding $2,500 are split into two payments—50% at approval and 50% after project completion and final invoice review. All funded projects must be completed within the 2026 calendar year. To be eligible, applicants must be located within IID’s power service area, must receive electrical service from IID, and must pay the Public Benefits Charge on their utility bill. Proposed projects must comply with all local, state, and federal laws, including CEQA and right-of-way regulations. They must also include public access and maintenance plans, proof of permission from landowners, and a clear, detailed budget. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to implement and complete the project by the end of the grant year and agree to allow IID to use the project and organization details for promotional purposes. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal packet using the official IID Green Grant Application form. Required documents include a scope of work, budget, timeline, photos, and supporting materials such as IRS nonprofit determination letters and proof of site control. All materials must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated. Applications are evaluated using a 100-point scoring system that emphasizes alignment with program goals, community benefit, experience and capacity, cost reasonableness, maintenance planning, and volunteer/community engagement. Award recipients must enter into a grant agreement with IID and fulfill final reporting requirements, including a summary report with photos and documentation of project outcomes and expenditures. Final payment may take up to 20 days following review. Projects must not displace existing public obligations or operate on federal lands, and recipients must demonstrate clear, measurable impacts in energy savings or greenhouse gas reduction. Projects offering co-benefits for underserved or disadvantaged communities, utilizing public land, or involving collaborative partnerships receive additional consideration during evaluation.