Local Energy Grants

The Innovation Fund by Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in California offers grants over $1 million to stimulate innovative public service projects and programs in areas like equitable access to services, economic vitality, and environment, available to IRS tax-exempt organizations operating in Contra Costa County, with application deadline on 10/07/2024.

United Way in Carroll County, Indiana, is offering grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) Health and Human Services Nonprofit Organizations that align with the Cradle to Career Commitment and Basic Foundational Needs, and are located in or serve Carroll County residents, with applications due by 09/30/2024.

This funding provides financial support for small businesses and property owners in Chicago to make permanent improvements and repairs to their commercial and industrial properties.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the AGRI Value-Added Grant, a reimbursement grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to support value-added businesses such as bioenergy producers and hemp processors in increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products through investment in equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access.

The Ramsey County's Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure program is a redevelopment grant, offering $100,000 to $500,000 for projects that intensify land use, facilitate multifamily housing, improve pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure, and promote development in disinvested areas within transit, economic, and cultural corridors in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The Philadelphia City Fund is offering a one-year grant of $15,000 to Philadelphia-based organizations working towards long-term environmental justice and community resilience, with activities including community organizing, education, youth leadership, and project implementation, to be used within 12 months of being awarded.

The City of Philadelphia's Community Resilience and Environmental Justice (CREJ) Fund is offering $15,000 grants to 20 Philadelphia-based organizations working on long-term environmental justice projects, with the aim to support grassroots activism, community resilience, and the removal of environmental injustices.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in High Springs for exterior home improvements and repairs to enhance neighborhood revitalization efforts.

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are pleased to announce the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program. Donor Name: City of Flagstaff State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant (NSG) Program provides funding for creative projects that enhance community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through community partnerships. Grant Goals  NSG projects must further at least one of the following goals: Meaningfully involve underserved communities, diverse groups, or vulnerable populations. Build community partnerships. Facilitate volunteer engagement or management. Grant Categories  NSG projects must fall into one of the following categories: Building Energy Climate Action Food Public Health Resilience Transportation Waste. Funding Information The NSG Program for the year 2024 will award a total of $75,000 with a maximum of $7,500 for each individual grant. Eligibility Criteria Individuals, groups of individuals, community groups, educational groups, nonprofit organizations, churches, and locally owned businesses are eligible to apply for projects that are within the Flagstaff city limits. Applicants are eligible for a maximum of one award. Applicants are eligible for other City awards in the same year. Successful applicants are eligible for one NSG grant award every other fiscal year. Applicants must disclose any conflicts of interest. Ineligibility  Grants will NOT be awarded to: Political or partisan groups or exclusive clubs. Applicants who have failed to successfully carry out a previous grant project unless appropriate justification is made. Applicants that discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, citizenship, non-disqualifying disability, national origin, or sexual orientation. For more information, visit City of Flagstaff.

The Alexander County Economic Development Corporation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to businesses in Alexander County, North Carolina, for projects aimed at enhancing physical spaces, e-commerce, service delivery, equipment purchase, ADA accessibility, and public health compliance, with a special focus on fostering entrepreneurship and expanding childcare centers.

The Vision Partnership Program (VPP) – Cash Grant is a grant available to Chester County municipalities and multi-municipal groups seeking to improve their planning programs while achieving consistency with and implementation of the goals, objectives, recommendations, and map of Landscapes3. Donor Name: Chester County State: Pennsylvania County: Chester County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Purpose Recognizing the benefits of grant awards to municipal planning projects, the Chester County Board of Commissioners established VPP in 1996 to promote cooperation between local governments and the County while implementing Landscapes, the County’s Comprehensive Plan.  The program was revised in 2010 to reflect Landscapes2 and revised again in 2019 to reflect Landscapes3. The purpose of VPP is to advance consistency with and implementation of the county comprehensive plan while accomplishing impactful, lasting, and positive benefits for municipalities through innovative municipal planning; multi-municipal planning; and new and revised municipal plans, ordinances, and planning studies that address opportunities and issues of community concern. Funding Information Plans or Ordinances Adopt $50,000 plus $10,000 for each additional municipality. Planning Studies Accept $30,000 plus $5,000 for each additional municipality. Eligible Costs The following costs are considered eligible for reimbursement if they are included in and directly related to the project scope of work attached to the executed grant contract: Professional planning consultant fees; Data collection and analysis; Mapping and graphics; Monthly duplicating costs of deliverables; Mailing costs, such as for mailings to municipal residents, not to exceed five (5) percent of the total eligible costs for the project; Review of draft materials by non-planning professionals, such as attorneys or engineers, not to exceed ten (10) percent of the total eligible costs for the project (note: this must be described specifically in the project scope of work); Travel costs, such as mileage for required meetings, not to exceed two (2) percent of the total eligible costs for the project; and Publication of the adopted document, up to thirty (30) copies. Eligible Projects  Comprehensive Plan Open Space, Park, and Recreation Plan (to include a greenway plan) Zoning Ordinance and Amendments (to include amendments specific to topic areas such as agriculture, historic resources, natural resources, housing, traditional neighborhood development, form based code, transfer of development rights, and establishing mixed-use, diverse, walkable communities) Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and Amendments (to include amendments specific to topic areas such as bicyclist/pedestrian circulation, natural and cultural resource protection, woodland inventories, and forestation/woodland management plans) Official Map and Ordinance Urban Center Revitalization Plan Resource Protection/Stewardship Plan (addressing topics such as open space, natural resources, parks, scenic resources, historic and cultural resources) Environmental and Community Sustainability/Resilience Plan/Study (to include energy conservation, clean energy transition) Community Design Guide (addressing topics such as housing, historic resources, and villages) Village Master Plan Heritage Interpretation Plan (in accordance with Preserving Our Places, CCPC, 1998) Historic Resource Survey (in accordance with PHMC standards) Housing Plan/Study Economic Development Study Transportation Corridor Plan/Study Streetscape Master Plan Multimodal Plan/Study Trail Feasibility Study Plans/Ordinances that support transition to renewable or alternative energy Agricultural Economic Development Plan Eligibility Criteria  Meeting eligibility requirements is not a guarantee of grant funding under the Vision Partnership Program. Eligible Applicants  The VPP cash grant program is open to all Chester County municipalities which have endorsed or acknowledged Landscapes3. Eligible applicants include a single municipality or a multi-municipal group, which may consist of two (2) or more contiguous municipalities or two (2) or more municipalities when located in the same school district. The application shall identify and be submitted by a lead municipality in the case of a multimunicipal group application. To ensure proper grant administration and promote successful completion of projects, municipalities are encouraged to complete VPP projects funded under previous rounds before applying for additional VPP funding. However, the Chester County Planning Commission may consider approving municipalities to undertake more than one VPP funded project at a time on a case-by-case basis. Municipalities involved in a multi-municipal comprehensive plan shall not be eligible for VPP funding to undertake a full comprehensive plan update at the same time as the contract term of the multi-municipal plan. Partial updates to a specific comprehensive plan section, such as the historic resources plan, may be considered on a case-by-case basis. General Project Eligibility  The project shall advance one or more of the Landscapes3 goals and objectives, and implement one or more of the Landscapes3 recommendations at the municipal or multimunicipal level. Projects enabled by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act 247, as amended, such as comprehensive plans (or elements thereof) or ordinances, shall demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the MPC. Projects not adopted under the provisions of the MPC are defined as “Planning Studies” for the purposes of VPP. General project types that may be eligible include plans, ordinances, ordinance amendments, and planning studies. Projects shall be supported by a municipal or multi-municipal comprehensive plan that was adopted within the prior ten (10) years, unless the municipality has undergone the formal review process as outlined in Section 301(c) of the MPC or the applicant provides documentation identifying why the urgency of the proposed project supersedes the need for an update of their comprehensive plan. For more information, visit Chester County.

The Community Grants Program is open to nonprofits serving New Hampshire, and select bordering communities in Maine and Vermont, with a focus on efforts that advance equity, racial justice and economic security. Donor Name: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority will be given to organizations or projects that serve and collaborate with residents who face barriers to basic rights and the ability to thrive based on: race or ethnicity, gender identity, age, socioeconomic background, geography, sexual orientation, immigration status, ability, religion and other factors. Funding Information One or two years of grant support for up to $15,000 per year. Geographic focus Organizations serving New Hampshire and select bordering communities in Maine and Vermont may apply. Organizations that are headquartered outside of the Charitable Foundation’s service area but provide services in New Hampshire are eligible for project grants only, since funding will be restricted to work in this service area. Maine: Berwick, North Berwick, South Berwick, Eliot, Kittery, York Vermont: Baltimore, Barnard, Bethel, Bradford, Bridgewater, Cavendish, Chelsea, Chester, Corinth, Fairlee, Groton, Hartford, Hartland, Newbury, Norwich, Pomfret, Randolph, Reading, Royalton, Ryegate, Sharon, Springfield, Strafford, Thetford, Topsham, Tunbridge, Vershire, Washington, Weathersfield, West Fairlee, West Windsor, Windsor, Woodstock Eligibility Criteria Organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities Municipalities, religious-based nonprofits, private operating foundations, and programs with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are eligible only for project-based grants to support charitable activities that are open to all community members Not eligible for this program: Private, non-operating foundations Public, charter, and private schools Hospitals Colleges/universities State government agencies Non-501(c)(3) organizations (without a fiscal sponsor) Nonprofit organizations that have an active New Hampshire Charitable Foundation multiyear Community Grant (awarded in December 2022) or nonprofit partners receiving a Charitable Foundation initiative-based grant application invitation are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit NHCF.

The County of San Luis Obispo is seeking applications for its Continuum of Care Builds Program to address and reduce persons experiencing homelessness by adding new units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Donor Name: County of San Luis Obispo State: California County: San Luis Obispo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Continuum of Care program, authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009 is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CoC Builds program will make awards to new Permanent Supportive Housing projects, in order to address both the immediate need for shelter and the underlying factors contributing to homelessness, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities alike. Goals HUD’s Strategic Plan sets the direction and focus of their programs to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all. The CoC Builds program supports HUD’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2026 to accomplish HUD’s mission and vision. You are expected to align your application to the applicable strategic goals and objectives below. The following are the goals and objectives from HUD’s Strategic Plan applicable to the CoC Builds program: Support Underserved Communities.  Fortify support for underserved communities and support equitable community development for all people.  Reduce Homelessness. Strengthen Federal, State, Tribal, and community implementation of the Housing First approach to reducing the prevalence of homelessness, with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness.  Ensure Access to and Increase the Production of Affordable Housing.  Ensure housing demand is matched by adequate production of new homes and equitable access to housing opportunities for all people. Increase the Supply of Housing. Enhance HUD’s programs that increase the production and supply of housing across the country. Advance Sustainable Communities. Advance sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience and energy efficiency, promoting environmental justice, and recognizing housing’s role as essential to health. Strengthen Environmental Justice. Reduce exposure to health risks, environmental hazards, and substandard housing, especially for low-income households and communities of color. Integrate Health and Housing. Advance policies that recognize housing’s role as essential to health. Funding Information Maximum Funding Available for New PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) Projects: $4,750,000 Maximum Amount That Can Be Used for Supportive Services for the PSH Project: $1,000,000 Eligibility Criteria The following types of project applicants will be eligible under the local CoC Builds program competition:  Nonprofit organizations having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public housing authorities  City or township governments For more information, visit County of San Luis Obispo.

This program provides matching funds to business and property owners in Alameda for improving the exterior appearance of their buildings through enhancements like painting, signage, and architectural restoration.

The City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability’s (OEQS) Urban Agriculture Division announces its partnership with Dallas County Health and Human Services on the implementation of an Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Support Program. Donor Name: City of Dallas State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The main goal of UAISP is to strengthen the capacities of urban growers and farmers in the city of Dallas, thereby advancing food security, fostering healthier communities, and mitigating disparities within the local food system. More specifically, the grant aims to assist farmers and food growers in the planning, design, and installation of eligible infrastructures, while also streamlining the permitting process.  Funding Information The available amount for this pilot program grant is $99,600 with maximum reimbursements of up to $10,000 per applicant.  Allowable Expenditures  Permissible costs mainly encompass expenditures associated with the planning, design, and/or implementation of power or water infrastructure to support the production, aggregation, and/or processing of food. Projects involved in activities falling within this scope will receive preferential consideration during the application evaluation and selection process. The following is an itemized list of some costs that the program will reimburse: Project/Infrastructure plans or designs.  Urban agriculture infrastructure counseling and professional services  Utility connections to on or off-grid water systems, including drip irrigations.  Utility connections for off-grid energy supporting urban agriculture operations. Contracted labor/installations. Greenhouses/hoop houses.  Versatile high tunnels (multi-season).  Cold storage temperature control equipment. Grow light systems.  Bee hives.  Other expenses deemed allowable by DCHHS & the City of Dallas Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for funding, individuals or establishments must fulfill the following criteria:  Engage in edible farming and gardening, and/or participate in aggregation, and/or process agricultural food products.  Contribute to the local food system by either engaging in food production and/or facilitating access to healthy and safe foods.  Clearly demonstrate a need for funding to improve food-related infrastructure.  For more information, visit City of Dallas.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program provides small business owners to complete exterior improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, or awnings. Donor Name: City of Sacramento State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: By improving the physical appearance of storefronts along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor, the program aims to: Support retention and growth of existing businesse Deter vacancie Attract more visitor Spur new investment Funding Information There is $200,000 available. The minimum funding request per application is $5,000.  The maximum funding request per application is $15,000 Project Period 1 year Eligible Activities Eligible activities include but are not limited to:  Exterior painting including murals  Installation of new façade elements or repair/replacement of existing façade elements such as signs, awnings, canopies, lighting, windows, doors, stucco, siding, tile, or stone accents  Restoration of original architectural features  Removal of boarded windows, security bars, dilapidated signs, awnings, and other exterior clutter Exterior security enhancements, but must meet the following requirements: Cannot exceed 25% of total grant award;  Must comply with the City’s design standards and overall vision for the corridor; and Must be proposed in conjunction with other exterior beautification. improvements  Applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans  Cannot exceed 25% of total grant award  Applicable City and State permitting fees  Cannot exceed 10% of total grant award Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:  Operate a retail or service establishment in a building with street frontage located on Northgate Boulevard  Qualify as a for-profit business  Non-profit entities are not eligible  Be independently owned and operated  Businesses cannot be owned by or affiliated with a parent organization that does not meet the remaining eligibility criteria  Franchises are not eligible  Be locally owned and operated  Principal office located in the greater Sacramento region Owners/officers domiciled in the greater Sacramento region  Have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years If a tenant, applicants must also:  Obtain the property owner’s written consent for the proposed improvements  Have a current lease with a minimum of three years remaining or obtain the property owner’s written assurance of a lease extension for at least three years To verify eligibility, the City may request additional documentation prior to grant award. Documentation may include:  Tax returns for the business  Utility bill in the name of the business Business license filings  Secretary of State filings For more information, visit City of Sacramento.

This grant provides financial support to owners of historic properties in Salem to restore important architectural features that contribute to the building's historical significance.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to public water systems in Maine to develop essential plans and documents that enhance their technical, financial, or managerial capabilities.

The City of Wickliffe (City) is pleased to offer commercial, non-franchised property owners and/or business owners a reimbursement grant program for the purpose of improving the appearance of storefronts, including front façade, parking lots, signage or street-visible hardscaping. Donor Name: The City of Wickliffe State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: More than 10 Years Details: Goals Promote reinvestment and restoration of commercial property  Support efforts to improve the exterior aesthetics of commercial buildings  Contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of Wickliffe  Attract, retain and support locally-owned businesses Types of Eligible Projects Front Exterior Façade  May include new/restored front doors and windows, painting, siding, tuck pointing (which does not exceed 50% of the project cost), awnings or outdoor cafes (which are visible from the street). Signage  May include items that bear company marks, such as signage, awnings and/or window/door graphics, along with any restorations that are necessary due to the project.  Parking Lot  May include seal coating, resurfacing or full reconstruction, either in asphalt and/or concrete. Pot hole filling or concrete repairs are permissible only when they are part of a larger, approved project. Maximum grant amount for parking lot funding not to exceed $1,000.00.  Street-Visible Hardscaping  May include perennial plantings, if they are part of a larger, hardscape project.  Annual Plantings: $200.00 maximum grant. Funding Information Reimbursement assistance of up to 50% of total, eligible project costs, with the reimbursement amount not to exceed $10,000. Requirements One grant per Applicant, per building, within a calendar year.  The City reserves the right to permit additional grants for businesses at a single location, in the event the City deems it is in the City’s best interest.  If a business/tenant is the Applicant, the property owner must confirm support of the project.  The Applicant is responsible to pay for 100% of the project cost up front, as the grant is intended to be a reimbursement once the project is complete.  All real estate taxes must be paid and current, all City income taxes (collected by RITA) will need to be current, and there may not be any delinquent bills owed to the City or to Lake County, Ohio. There must be no violations with any City, County or State code requirements.  Any/all businesses must have current occupancy certificates and business licenses before a grant will be issued. All City requirements must be met, including securing the necessary zoning permits, building permits and approvals from the Architectural Board of Review, Board of Zoning Appeals and/or City Planning Commission, as may be required. For more information, visit City of Wickliffe.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in Maui County, with a focus on initiatives led by women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.