Grants for Small businesses - Energy

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for businesses, nonprofits, and local governments in Washington to install Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, particularly in areas where vehicles are parked for short durations, to improve air quality and promote clean transportation.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has initiated the Clean Water Heritage Grant program, aiming to promote the proper maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs). This program is designed to support the safety and general welfare of all County residents by ensuring these systems are well-maintained. The grant is open to a range of applicants, including Non-HOA Neighborhoods, HOAs with Public Roads, and HOAs with Private Roads within James City County, Virginia. The core mission of the Clean Water Heritage Grant aligns with safeguarding both citizens and property from the negative impacts of runoff. By focusing on drainage systems that move runoff safely through residential areas and stormwater management facilities that reduce runoff quantity and improve water quality, the program directly addresses critical environmental and public safety concerns. The target beneficiaries are residents and property owners within James City County, with the overarching impact goal of fostering a healthier and safer community through improved water management and infrastructure maintenance. The program prioritizes addressing non-routine maintenance and repairs for both drainage systems and BMPs. It offers several types of grants: Inspection Grants, which support inventorying, mapping, and inspecting existing drainage structures for operational condition; Repair & Maintenance Grants for general drainage system upkeep; and BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants specifically for stormwater management facilities. This structured approach ensures that both preventive and corrective measures are supported, allowing for comprehensive care of these vital systems. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local infrastructure capable of effectively managing stormwater, leading to reduced flooding and improved water quality across the county. Measurable results will be seen through the number of inspected and repaired drainage systems and BMPs, the documented improvements in their operating conditions, and the extent to which these efforts contribute to overall community safety and environmental health. The funding structure, with varying award limits and cost-sharing percentages (e.g., up to $6,000 for inspections with a 75%-25% JCC-Owner split, and up to $50,000 for maintenance and repairs with a 50%-50% split), further encourages shared responsibility and investment in these critical infrastructure improvements.

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

The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program aims to distribute funds across Northern, Central, and Southern California to improve energy efficiency in low-income households. This involves installing electric appliances and related upgrades in single-family, multifamily, and manufactured homes within underresourced communities. The program emphasizes collaboration with community-based organizations to ensure culturally appropriate outreach and education. Applicants must exhibit expertise in residential building decarbonization.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial businesses and property owners along Western Avenue in Rancho Palos Verdes for visible storefront improvements to enhance the area's appearance and economic vitality.

This grant provides funding for research projects that enhance cadet education, support faculty development, and improve the operational capabilities of the Air Force, while fostering collaboration with industry partners.

The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is a discretionary reimbursement grant established by the City of Soldotna in 2012. Its primary goal is to revitalize commercial areas within Soldotna by stimulating private investment, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall visual appeal and vitality of the city's commercial districts. This program aligns with the City's long-range plan, Envision Soldotna 2030, specifically addressing goals such as promoting downtown development, encouraging redevelopment in key areas like the river and major highways, supporting diverse local businesses for a healthy economy, and improving the streetscape along major routes. The SIP targets property owners and business lessees within Soldotna’s commercial areas, with the aim of boosting traffic, increasing property values, and improving the city's aesthetic. The program prioritizes exterior improvements to business facades visible from the street, including elements like storefronts, windows, exterior lighting, canopies, awnings, painting, masonry work, permanent landscaping, decorative signs, and accessibility improvements. The emphasis is on transformative changes, and projects incorporating multiple elements receive greater weight during the competitive application process. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and attractive commercial landscape, increased foot traffic for local businesses, and an uplift in property values. By sharing the cost of beautification, the program seeks to empower local business owners to invest in their properties, contributing to a more prosperous local economy. While routine upkeep, maintenance, or required updates (e.g., signage due to change in ownership) are not eligible, the program encourages proactive improvements that enhance the architectural character and functionality of commercial buildings. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of beautified storefronts, a rise in new business openings or expansions in commercial areas, and potentially an increase in sales tax revenue for the city. The program's theory of change posits that by directly incentivizing aesthetic and functional improvements to business exteriors, the city can create a more inviting environment that attracts both residents and visitors, thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting the long-term health of its commercial sectors. The competitive application process ensures that funding is directed towards high-impact projects that best align with the program's objectives.

This program provides funding to small businesses and commercial property owners in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, for improving their storefronts and interiors to boost economic growth and community revitalization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative projects that develop and pilot new technologies for processing critical minerals and materials essential for U.S. energy and industrial competitiveness.

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $1 million in California State General Funds for the Evaluation and Technical Assistance (ETA) for the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund (DOGWF). The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 awardee will be responsible for providing evaluation and technical assistance for DOGWF PY 23-24 program awardees as they pioneer initiatives that guide displaced oil and gas workers into new jobs and career trajectories by extending beyond singular sectors, committed to securing stable, well-compensated, and gratifying roles for these workers across diverse industries. The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 grant aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of DOGWF projects. The initiative seeks to fund an organization with expertise in assessing program and operational capacity, facilitating Communities of Practice (CoPs), conducting a developmental evaluation for continuous learning and improvement, and addressing the needs of displaced workers impacted by energy sector shifts for future policy and program planning. In addition, the ETA awardee will support program grantees with developing and implementing strategies for partnership development, participant assessment, skills transfer, career navigation, administering training stipends, providing wrap-around support, identifying relevant career pathways and training programs, and guidance on participant tracking and performance outcomes reporting. Applicants for the DOGWF ETA must be organizations with the capacity, relationships, and expertise to deliver ETA to grantees across the state. Proposals from non-profit or for-profit consulting, technical assistance, evaluation, capacity-building organizations, labor organizations, community colleges, adult education providers, workforce boards, and education and training providers will be accepted. Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PST on July 22, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on June 25, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. PST.  Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the following link by June 24, 2024 by 9 a.m. PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EOwky4VSQ06lWDMieX-9bA The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by July 1, 2024, at noon to [email protected]. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage

GTOs mission is to increase geothermal energy deployment through research, development, and demonstration (RD) of innovative technologies that enhance exploration and production. Its vision is a vibrant domestic geothermal sector that contributes to a carbon-pollution free electric sector by 2035 and a net-zero emission economy by 2050 while providing economic opportunities and environmental benefits for all Americans. GTO supports geothermal energy RD activities in six research areas aimed at increased access, reduced costs and improved economics, and improved education and outreach about geothermal resources. DOEs 2023 Enhanced Geothermal ShotTM analysis concludes that with aggressive technology improvements in areas relevant to enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), geothermal electricity generation could provide 90 GWe of firm, flexible power to the U.S. electric grid by 2050. Building a clean and equitable energy economy and addressing the climate crisis is a top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration. This FOA will advance the Biden-Harris Administrations goals to achieve carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and to deliver an equitable, clean energy future, and put the United States on a path to achieve net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by no later than 2050 to the benefit of all Americans. DOE is committed to pushing the frontiers of science and engineering, catalyzing clean energy jobs through research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD), and ensuring environmental justice and inclusion of underserved communities. Geothermal power offers a unique value proposition to support the United States target of 100% carbon-pollution-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Traditionally, geothermal power is well understood as a clean, firm generation resource with a high capacity factor, 24/7 availability, and minimal land use footprint. Moreover, the advent of flexible geothermal operations and geothermal power coupled with storage technologies broadens the breadth of services that geothermal power could provide to a decarbonizing grid. This FOA supports the administration goals laid out above by catalyzing regional grid modeling studies that quantify the potential contribution of geothermal power in supporting an equitable4 transition to a future decarbonized grid and economy. The research and development (R) activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, this FOA will quantify the value of geothermal power to a decarbonized grid.

The "Fiscal Year 2025 Phase II Continuation Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research" grant aims to fund innovative research and development projects that enhance nuclear energy technology, with the goal of improving U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs, maintaining current nuclear reactors, deploying new ones, securing our nuclear fuel cycle, and expanding international cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.

This grant invites private sector companies and organizations to collaborate with USAID on projects that address economic growth, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, leveraging their resources and expertise to achieve shared development goals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations training electricians in California to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with a focus on increasing access for disadvantaged and rural communities.

The Town of Olathe has received a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), aimed at revitalizing its Main Street and supporting local retail businesses. This grant directly aligns with a mission to foster economic development and community prosperity in rural areas by providing financial assistance for critical business improvements. The program’s focus on storefront enhancements and accessibility modifications is designed to create a more vibrant and economically robust town center, ultimately benefiting the entire community. The target beneficiaries for this grant are businesses located in the 200 and 300 blocks of Olathe’s Main Street, as well as retail businesses along Highway 50 Business Loop. The primary impact goal is to stimulate local commerce, attract more customers, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the town’s commercial core. By supporting these businesses, the grant intends to create a more attractive and accessible environment for residents and visitors alike, fostering sustained economic growth. The grant prioritizes a range of physical improvements, including awning repair or replacement, new or updated business signs, and comprehensive façade improvements such as storefront repairs, window replacement, and the rehabilitation of historic architectural features. Additionally, modifications to improve business accessibility are a key focus, ensuring that the revitalized spaces are inclusive for all patrons. The grant explicitly excludes roof and foundation work, directing funds toward highly visible and impactful street-level enhancements. Expected outcomes of the REDI grant include increased foot traffic and sales for participating businesses, a significant improvement in the visual appeal of Main Street and the Highway 50 Business Loop, and a strengthened local economy. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses that undergo improvements, the types of improvements made, and potentially, local sales tax revenue increases or new business establishments in the targeted areas. The strategic priority is to leverage this funding to create a ripple effect, encouraging further private investment and community engagement in Olathe’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are offering the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants (NSG) Program. This program aims to provide funding for innovative projects that improve community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through collaborative community partnerships. While specific foundation mission alignment, strategic priorities, or theory of change are not explicitly stated as coming from a "foundation," the program's goals directly align with the broader mission of urban sustainability and community well-being as typically pursued by municipal sustainability offices and commissions. The NSG Program targets a broad range of beneficiaries including individuals, groups of individuals, community groups, educational groups, nonprofit organizations, churches, and locally owned businesses. These applicants must be undertaking projects within the Flagstaff city limits. The impact goals are to enhance community sustainability, promote healthy lifestyles, meaningfully involve underserved communities, diverse groups, or vulnerable populations, build community partnerships, and facilitate volunteer engagement or management. The program prioritizes projects that align with at least one of its three core goals: involving underserved communities, building partnerships, or facilitating volunteer engagement. Additionally, projects must fall into one of the following categories: Building Energy, Climate Action, Food, Public Health, Resilience, Transportation, or Waste. These categories represent the key focuses for achieving Flagstaff's sustainability objectives. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of creative community projects that address sustainability challenges. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of projects funded, the reach of those projects within the community, the level of community engagement and partnerships fostered, and tangible improvements in the designated sustainability categories. The program anticipates awarding a total of $75,000 in 2024, with individual grants capped at $7,500, indicating a focus on supporting multiple, smaller-scale community-led initiatives rather than a few large projects.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is offering a $1.055 billion grant under the Rural Energy for America Program for qualifying renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, with a maximum grant request of $1 million for renewable systems and $500,000 for energy efficiency improvements.

The Community Climate Collaborative Energy Efficiency Grants program offers funding to small businesses for upgrades aimed at improving energy efficiency. This includes enhancements to appliances, lighting, and heating/cooling systems. The program's core objective is to facilitate emissions reductions and generate financial savings for businesses through strategic capital investments. While not explicitly stating the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" in a separate section, the program's focus on emissions reduction directly aligns with a broader mission of combating climate change, which is implicitly the strategic priority of an organization named "Community Climate Collaborative." The target beneficiaries of this grant program are small businesses operating within the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County, Virginia. Specifically, eligible businesses must hold a business license in one of these locations and qualify as a Microbusiness according to Virginia SBSD criteria, meaning they have 25 employees or fewer. The program also prioritizes Woman- or Minority-owned Businesses, as defined by Virginia SBSD criteria, and encourages SWaM certification or equivalent documentation. This focused approach aims to empower local, smaller enterprises in their transition to more sustainable operations. The program's priorities and focuses are squarely on tangible energy efficiency upgrades that yield demonstrable savings in energy usage and/or a reduction in emissions. This indicates a results-oriented approach where the proposed upgrades must show a clear environmental benefit and potentially economic advantage for the grantee. The maximum grant amount of $2,000 per project highlights an emphasis on supporting numerous smaller-scale, impactful interventions rather than fewer large-scale projects, making the grants accessible to a wider range of microbusinesses. The expected outcomes and measurable results of these grants include both environmental and economic benefits. On the environmental front, the primary outcome is the reduction of emissions, contributing to local climate goals. Economically, businesses are expected to achieve financial savings due to decreased energy consumption. The requirement for proposed upgrades to have "demonstrable savings of energy usage and/or reduction of emissions" signifies a commitment to measurable impact, ensuring that the allocated funds lead to verifiable improvements. The program's design implicitly supports a theory of change where targeted financial assistance for energy efficiency upgrades directly leads to reduced environmental impact and improved economic resilience for small businesses in the local community.

This grant provides $25,000 and mentorship to early-stage climate technology companies in Illinois, helping them develop innovative solutions that positively impact the environment.