Local Energy Grants

The Santa Rosa Improvement Vitalization Enterprise (StRIVE) Grant is intended to provide commercial property owners and business owners grants for façade improvements and signage. Donor Name: Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office State: Florida County: Santa Rosa County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: StRIVE provides funding to upgrade the appearance of property, increase property value, and stimulate economic activity within Santa Rosa County. Funding Information Up to $10,000 to be used for improvements to the exterior façade of a building, including signage. A 100% match is required. Matching funds may be used anywhere in the proposed renovation project. Uses of funds Use Grant Funds for: Exterior Painting Exterior Lighting New Windows & Doors New or Replacement Awnings Restoration of Architectural Features Parking Improvements Screening & Fencing Sprinkler System Signage Soft Costs (licenses, permit fees etc.) Eligibility Criteria  Property must be located within Santa Rosa County and zoned for commercial purposes. Property cannot be exempt from ad valorem property tax. ­ Applicants must have all necessary business licenses/permits/inspections. Any outstanding legal issues that could encumber the property or prohibit immediate use as a commercial venture must be resolved or explained. Any proposed business/tenant must document zoning and land-use eligibility at the proposed location as part of this application. Unoccupied properties must have a signed lease to participate. ­ Property owners must sign the program application and other related documents. Tenants may apply only with property owner’s consent. Applicants are limited to one application per funding cycle. ­StRIVE is based on availability of funds. ­Exterior improvements must comply with applicable city/county code and zoning requirements. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the appropriate agency to determine required permits, if any. Once the project has been completed, the property must be eligible to obtain, or already have a certificate of occupancy, and have received the final inspection from the appropriate agency. For more information, visit Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations, tribal groups, local governments, and ports in reducing air pollution through projects like replacing diesel vehicles and installing electric vehicle charging stations in overburdened areas of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

The City of Fishers is excited to announce the 2024 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant. Donor Name: City of Fishers State: Indiana City: Fishers Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this grant is to provide funding for creative and innovative ideas that make the community a more beautiful place to live, and that will impact the lives of the community at large in a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial manner. Grant highlights: The Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant is a matching grant Applicants must provide at least 20% of the total project cost The Grant is awarded quarterly in 2024 Grants are competitive and will not be awarded for recurring or maintenance items Funding Information Maximum amount to be awarded is $25,000. Uses of funds  Funding must be used towards costs of a project which involves design, construction, or installation. Ideas and example photos are provided here to kick start creativity! Priority is given to projects that will have the greatest visibility and positive effect on Fishers as a community. Projects located inside the public right-of-way are subject to additional review and approval. Below are ideas for preferred projects: Converting high maintenance common area lawns to no-mow native plantings Installation of shoreline plantings, water aeration, or rain gardens near Detention/Retention Ponds (White River Alliance Resource) Monarch Butterfly Waystation and/or Wildlife Habitat Corridors Neighborhood Community Gardens Environmental & Agricultural Common Area Trail Repairs & Improvements Park Improvement such as Picnic Shelters, Benches, Planters, Mini-Libraries, or Accessible Playground Equipment Connected two or more Neighborhood Walking Trails Installation of Solar Lights or other renewable energy projects Improved Pedestrian Connectivity or Tactical Urbanism. Eligible Applicants  Neighborhoods groups and HOAs within Fishers City Limits. For more information, visit City of Fishers.

The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is to revitalize Soldotna’s commercial areas by stimulating additional private investment in the local economy. Donor Name: City of Soldotna State: Alaska City: Soldotna Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: By partnering with local business owners and lessees to share the cost of beautifying the exterior of a business, the program aims to boost traffic, increase property values, and improve the overall look and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program was established in 2012 to meet several goals of Envision Soldotna 2030, the City’s long-range plan, including: Promoting development of the “downtown area” to attract both visitors and residents; Encouraging redevelopment of key areas, particularly along the river and major highways; Ensuring a healthy economy by supporting a diversity of local businesses; and Improving the streetscape along the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways. The SIP is a discretionary reimbursement grant, which can be used for exterior improvements to businesses in the City of Soldotna.  Funding Information The amount available for each property is 50% of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum of $7,500. Eligible Work  Rehabilitation of building facades that are visible to the street, including the following elements: storefronts; windows; exterior lighting; canopies and awnings; painting and masonry work; permanent landscaping; decorative, artistic or unique signs and graphics and accessibility improvements. The emphasis of the grant program is to encourage the transformation of building facades through improvements to one or more of the elements listed above.  Greater weight is awarded to projects that incorporate multiple elements.  The grant program is not intended to provide financial assistance for routine upkeep and maintenance (e.g., painting) or to satisfy required updates (e.g., signage resulting from change in ownership or business type, franchise requirements to change paint scheme, etc.). Applications are competitive and the highest ranking proposals will be funded first. Eligibility Criteria Eligible participants include property owners and business lessees. Ineligible participants Properties primarily in residential use (ex. apartments or condominiums); Structures not facing or visible from the right-of-way; Government offices and agencies (non-governmental tenants are eligible); New construction, less than 5 years old. For more information, visit COS.

Are you aged 15 to 24 years old? Want to make a difference in the La Crosse community? Are you ready to act on climate change and help the environment? If yes, then apply for the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program. Donor Name: City of La Crosse State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the YCAF is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in La Crosse. All projects must fit within the strategies of the City’s Climate Action Plan. These ideas may include Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including youth-led climate education programs, youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns. Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs. Co-governed youth climate action plans, including partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, actions, or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. This program can fund any youth-led (15-24 years of age) project that is focused on sustainability and climate change that directly benefits La Crosse. Example projects can include school community gardens, waste collection programs, road/waterway cleanups, renewable energy projects, tree plantings, energy efficiency projects, sustainable transportation projects, murals, etc. Additionally, projects could also include hosting events or organizing online or in-person activities Funding Information Grants ranging from $1,000 – $5,000. Eligibility Criteria Open to applicants between the ages of 15-24 years old who reside in, or whose initiatives directly benefit, the city of La Crosse. If youth-led groups are not incorporated entities, they may partner with one that serves as the micro-grant recipient and fund administrator.  Entities must have a formal incorporation or status of some kind (not necessarily an NGO or charity), a bank account in its name, and an ability to manage the funds. For more information, visit City of La Crosse.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to implement projects that prevent waste and promote the use of reusable materials.

Anne Arundel County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce a partnership to provide funds for forestry projects and land protection in Anne Arundel County. Donor Name: Chesapeake Bay Trust State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to implement cost-effective reforestation and greening projects and increase the number of acres of protected forested land in the County. By increasing tree cover and expanding green areas, erosion can be reduced; water and soil quality can be improved; airborne pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide can be filtered; and summer temperatures and resulting ozone pollution and energy use can be reduced. By protecting forested land, valuable ecological services such as habitat, water quality, and flood control can be ensured for the future. What this funds? Reforestation/afforestation of Protected Lands. Permanent protection of Forested Lands. Reforestation/afforestation and Protection of Uneased and Unforested Lands. Eligible Project Tracks Track 1: Reforestation/Afforestation of Protected Lands Funding partners seek reforestation and afforestation projects that provide ecological benefits by establishing, enhancing and/or preserving riparian buffers; creating, enhancing and/or preserve larger contiguous tracts of forest; and/or creating, enhancing, and/or preserving wildlife habitat, including habitat for forest interior dwelling species. Track 2: Permanent Protection of Forested Lands Applicants can apply to purchase, execute, record, and monitor permanent conservation easements to protect, maintain, and preserve existing tree canopy in Anne Arundel County. The permanent conservation easements shall be acquired, held, and maintained by the grantee or by a land trust subcontracted by the grantee. The best projects under this track are those seeking to protect ecologically valuable sites or existing habitats, such as riparian buffers, large contiguously forested tracts, and/or important wildlife habitat. Track 3: Reforestation/Afforestation and Protection of Uneased and Unforested Lands Applicants may request support for reforestation/afforestation projects on land that is not currently under conservation easement or otherwise protected. In such a case, the land must be owned by an individual or entity that will agree to place a permanent conservation easement, deed restriction, or long-term protective agreement for tree planting on the property on which the project is installed and that will protect the tree project. As in Track 2 above, funds for easement costs will be considered as eligible budget request items with the exception that the threshold value for requiring appraisals is $8,800, the NRCS WRP threshold for cropland. As described in Track 2 above, applicants may a) request easement costs below the threshold without incurring an obligation to obtain appraisals, b) request easement costs above the threshold and be responsible for obtaining appraisals as a condition of the award at an expense that will only be reimbursed if the project moves forward, or c) request easement costs above the threshold and supply justification in the form of at least one appraisal. Funding Information Up to $238,000 is currently available for this round of the program. Reimbursement cannot be made for already completed projects. Project Period Projects must be completed within 24 months upon receipt of the award. Requests to extend project completion period will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. Project Location This program funds projects in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Projects located within the City of Annapolis limits are not eligible for this program. Eligibility Criteria  Anne Arundel County and the Trust welcome requests from the following organizations: Land trusts; Nonprofit entities; Community associations; Service and civic groups, Faith-based organizations; Public agencies; and Public and independent higher educational institutions. For more information, visit Chesapeake Bay Trust.

The City of Bakersfield is now accepting applications for its Façade Improvement Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Bakersfield State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the Façade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP) is to be a catalyst for improving the exterior of business-use properties that result in quality improvements and enhancements that benefit the business and the City. The improvements must enhance the appearance of the property and the environment in which the property is located. The FIGP has been established as a one-time program to provide grant funding for business owners and/or property owners of retail, commercial, industrial and office properties in the focus area to complete exterior improvements to business-use properties. The grant is not intended for new “ground up construction” but for improvement of existing large scale commercial buildings and the property around them. Funding Information The City anticipates awarding funds to 4-6 projects. Any awarded funding $100,000 and over will require a 10% match in private investment and a public hearing before the City Council. For example, if an applicant is awarded a grant for $150,000 in eligible improvements, the applicant is required to match $15,000 (10% of $150,000). In this example, a business or property owner can realize a total of $165,000 in improvements with a $15,000 investment. Private investment may exceed the matching grant portion of the project if, for example, interior improvements are included in the scope of work even though they are not eligible for the grant.  Purchase of the materials and services shall be funded in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Treasury and as such the recipient shall be required to abide by certain Federal provisions and requirements. The procurement regulations and guidelines require that all agreements with sub-recipients for projects using these funds adhere to all applicable requirements relating but not limited to non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, training and business opportunity, and non-segregated facilities. Eligible Activities  The purpose of the FIGP is for significant and impactful façade improvements and renovations that includes improvements or renovations of existing buildings. For example, a cumulative number of eligible activities that may include a combination of several of the following: structural façade improvements, paint, awnings, signs, addition of architectural detail to façade, façade tile or stone accents, decorative entry walkway area, outside dining with decorative features, irrigated landscape/flower planters or pots, outside decorative lighting, and/or new windows. Eligible Applicants  Small Business – has no more than 500 employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates; and (2) Is a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). Non-profit – a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Impacted Industry – an industry or businesses within an “impacted” industry that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic including tourism, travel, and hospitality. If the industry is outside of travel, tourism or hospitality sectors, the industry is impacted if: 1) The industry experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels, or 2) The industry is experiencing comparable or worse economic impacts as the tourism, travel and hospitality industries as of the date the ARPA Final Rule (published 12/6/2022). For more information, visit City of Bakersfield.

Are you between the ages of 15-24 years old? Do you want to make a difference in the New Orleans community? Are you ready to take action on climate change and help the environment? If so, the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program is for you! Donor Name: City of New Orleans State: Louisiana County: Orleans Parish (LA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of New Orleans, in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, has been selected to participate in the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The goal is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in the City of New Orleans. All projects must fit within one or more of the following New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities: Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy & Waste Reduction and Data, Research & Engagement. Funding Information Successful applicants will receive a micro-grant ranging from $1,000 – $5,000 through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in August/September 2024 to fund their projects. Uses of funds  Funds may be used to cover all project related expenses such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities. Eligibility Criteria  Open to applicants between the ages of 15-24 years old who reside in Orleans Parish and whose initiatives directly benefit the city of New Orleans. Other Eligibility Requirements: Proposed project application must be submitted by a youth-serving organization that can accept grant funds: Entity must have a 501c3  or fiscal sponsor Must have a bank account in its name and have ability to manage funds. If youth-led group is not an incorporated entity, they may partner with a fiscal agent that can accept and administer funds. For more information, visit City of New Orleans.

This program provides financial support to local nonprofits and municipalities in Dutchess County to improve services and activities for veterans, honoring their contributions and addressing their needs.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has opened the Clean Water Heritage Grant to applicants. Donor Name: James City County State: Virginia County: James City County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the Clean Water Heritage Grant Program is to promote the maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities (BMPs) in a manner that best supports the safety and general welfare of all County residents. What is a Neighborhood Drainage System?  Neighborhood drainage systems include structures such as inlets, pipes, vegetated or paved swales and outfall structures, located outside of the VDOT roadway, which move runoff originating on or off-site safely through residential areas in order to protect citizens and property. Roof and footing drains and privately installed on-lot drainage structures are not considered part of a neighborhood drainage system. What is a Stormwater Management Facility (BMP)?  Stormwater management facilities, also known as best management practices or BMPs, include structures that reduce the quantity of storm runoff and improve the water quality of the runoff. BMP components include, but are not limited to, inlets, pipes, vegetated or paved swales, ponds, bioretention features, embankments, outfalls and energy dissipation structures. Available Grants  Inspection Grants – Inventorying and mapping the existing drainage structures and inspecting the system for operating condition. Results are for planning future maintenance or for inclusion in a homeowners association (HOA) reserve study. Inspection may include a photo record or pipe video and documentation in GIS. Repair & Maintenance Grants – Repairs to maintain a drainage system. BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants – Repairs to maintain a BMP. Only non-routine maintenance or repairs will be considered. Funding Information Inspection: Up to $6,000 per award 75% – 25% split (JCC – Owner). Maintenance & Repairs: Minimum of $2,500 up to Maximum of $50,000 per award 50%-50% split. BMP Maintenance & Repair: Minimum of $2,500 up to Maximum of $50,000 per award 50%-50% split. Eligibility Criteria  Non-HOA Neighborhoods. HOAs with Public Roads. HOAs with Private Roads. For more information, visit James City County.

The City of Lafayette offers grants to directly support the preservation of older buildings. Donor Name: City of Lafayette State: Colorado City: Lafayette Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Lafayette Historic Preservation Board (HPB) is offering competitive grants of up to $3,000 for a building improvement project on older buildings in Lafayette that meets the following: Age of Building (House, Outbuilding, Barn, etc.): 50 years old or older Eligible Structures Commercial buildings Houses Churches Outbuildings and barns  Project Characteristics may include Extends the life of the building and/or enhances the historic character of the building Keeps historic materials to the extent possible; otherwise, uses identical or similar materials Removes non-historic features or materials to expose historic ones Eligible Improvements may include, but are not limited to: Structural improvements like foundation repair. Restoration and repair of original windows and doors and weather sealing. Roof repair or replacement. Installation of gutters and site drainage work. Restoration and cleaning of masonry, including brick, stone and concrete. Power washing is discouraged on any building receiving grant funding. Restoration or reconstruction of original architectural details of the building, such as materials, porch, cornice and window details, using historic materials. Painting A paint analysis to determine the original color is encouraged. Painting over brick is discouraged. All required building permits must be obtained. Location Within Lafayette city limits Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible, buildings must be at least 50 years old and within Lafayette city limits. Improvement projects will be considered based on the following criteria: Longevity – Impact of the project on the lifespan of the building Appearance – Use of historic materials where applicable Use of a Lafayette-based business or do-it-yourself (DIY) Urgency of need will be assessed Research was done on the property (Sources could include Carnegie Library, Miner’s Museum contacts, Lafayette Historical Society, Lafayette’s HPB website, Treeless Plains book, other local history books, old newspaper articles, etc. Other relevant issues related to the project and site may be considered. For more information, visit City of Lafayette.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Maple Heights for exterior home repairs and improvements, promoting neighborhood revitalization and community stability.

The Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is inviting applicants for its Greater Bridgeport Grant: Arts in the Service of Equity. Donor Name: Fairfield County’s Community Foundation State: Connecticut County: Fairfield County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: In recognition of the power arts and culture hold to amplify community voice, change narratives, promote inclusivity, and transform communities for the better, they are excited to announce a 3-year renewable grant opportunity focused on arts innovation for systems change in Greater Bridgeport. This funding opportunity honors the legacy and leverages the resources of the Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, which merged in 2008 with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. With a total funding pool of $1 million, this initiative will support up to three collaborative projects in Greater Bridgeport. Each project will receive three general operating support grants over three years, with the largest of the three grants coming in year one, and smaller wind-down grants in years two and three. General operating support will allow collaborating organizations flexibility to allocate funding in the ways that they deem best facilitate their projects’ goals and objectives. This funding seeks to leverage the arts to accelerate and catalyze social change in community. Competitive Proposals will: Demonstrate the impact/potential impact on Black, Indigenous, and People of color (BiPoC) Demonstrate the impact/potential impact on low-to-moderate income communities Clearly communicate how their work is addressing racial inequities in Fairfield County Clearly communicate partnerships with roles and responsibilities Have a clear three-year project plan/program design with an aligned budget. Aim to influence economic, physical, and social change Made a clear, detailed connection between the project and key results areas Eligibility Criteria They will consider requests from Arts and Culture-focused organizations located within Greater Bridgeport doing work that directly benefits residents of Greater Bridgeport. Eligible communities include: Bridgeport Easton Fairfield Monroe Stratford Trumbull Grassroots, BiPoC-led organizations with systems-level change goals will be given preference. Organizations are encouraged to apply regardless of budget size. Non-traditional arts organizations, defined as those not established for an arts-related purpose, must have an identified partnership with a traditional arts organization that will be expected to serve as the lead applicant. Lead applicants must be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or 509 (a) public charity, or work under a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3). Foundation does not award grants for any of the following purposes: Persuading people to join/support a specific religion, political party, or candidate Capital campaigns or projects (e.g., major building repairs) Covering budget deficits Annual fundraising appeals Hosting a fundraising event Purchasing land as open space For-profit, parochial, charter, private, or individual public schools Nonprofit endowments Helping one specific person For more information, visit Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) through the Solano County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce funding availability for Healthy Soils Program Block Grant Pilot Program. Donor Name: Solano County Farm Bureau State: California County: Alameda County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA), Sacramento County (CA), Solano County (CA), Yolo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objectives of the HSP are to increase statewide implementation of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) by providing financial incentives to California growers and ranchers to implement agricultural management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric GHG emissions and improve soil health. The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) provides financial incentives in the form of grants to farmers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), and improve soil health. A few eligible practices include: Mulching – Compost Cover Crops Reduced Tillage Riparian, Herbaceous & Woody Plantings Windbreaks Filter Strips Whole Orchard Recycling Funding Information The California Climate Investments (CCI) appropriated $50 million. The maximum award is $100,000 The grant term is three years.  Eligibility Criteria California farmers, ranchers, agricultural business entities, and California Native Americans, are eligible to apply. Nonprofit organizations as agriculture operations are eligible to apply. Grant Recipients must be at least 18 years old. Cannabis cultivation operations are not eligible to apply. Hemp cultivation operations are eligible to apply. Project Eligibility Requirements Projects must be located on agricultural operations in California. For the purposes of this program, an agricultural operation is defined as row crops, vineyard, field and tree crops, commercial nurseries, nursery stock production, and greenhouse operations producing food crops, or flowers as. Projects located on grazing lands (including grasslands, rangelands, and pastures. Grant funds cannot be used for projects that use potted plants and plant growth media other than soil. Grant funds cannot be used for research and product development activities. All entities receiving grant funds must have a physical California business address. Awards are limited to one per agricultural operation using a unique tax identification number per round of funding, including applications submitted to Block Grant Recipients. Applications from Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo County producers can apply with priority to those qualifying as socially disadvantaged.  For more information, visit CDFA.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve the appearance of their buildings and attract more customers and investors.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund is accepting applications for its 2024 Capacity Building Grant Program. Donor Name: Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The TSAF supports tribes in asserting control over their energy resources and focuses on making project implementation feasible by leveraging state and federal programs, philanthropic dollars, and partnerships with other tribes across Indian County while working in alignment to identify, develop, finance and implement solar power projects that meet community needs, including education, hands-on training, and energy cost reductions for tribal members. TSAF Funding Area- Tribal Energy Capacity Building Grant  At the TSAF, they understand that Indian Country needs more than just project development funding, which is why the Tribal Energy Capacity Building grants are looking to support tribes and tribal organizations with; technical expertise, educational and workforce development training, policy and regulatory guidance, planning, design, and project development, and industry resources. Tribal Energy Capacity Building grants will be intended to support TSAF’s past, current, and new community of tribal partners to invest in building the human capacity needed to advance tribal clean energy programs and projects that build the tribal energy ecosystem of community leaders, experts, cultural knowledge keepers, and everyone in between. These grants will be significant, flexible, multi-year funding for general operating support, capacity building, and enhancing energy and sustainability expertise that reinforces tribal sovereignty. TSAF Grantmaking Priorities  The TSAF supports and encourages solar education, training, and workforce development in tribal communities through leadership programs and industry related opportunities Provide access to funding to support the development of renewable energy projects and the development of long-term energy plans to increase tribal energy security and resiliency Ensure that equity is a driving principle in the national transition to a clean energy economy through learning from the TSAF community and generating awareness in the climate action arena. Funding Information Tribes/Tribal Organizations are eligible to apply for up to $200,000 over 2 years. Eligibility Criteria  The TSAF is committed to serving, supporting, and strengthening American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal communities by investing in capacity building with a focus on renewable energy development and sustainability. The TSAF eligibility criteria is as follows: Federally recognized tribal governments in the lower 48 states and Alaska (tribal government programs, such as tribal housing authority, cultural departments, economic development entities, etc.) Tribally-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (fiscally-sponsored tribal community organizations, tribal community organizations without a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status may submit an application through a sponsoring organization if the sponsor has IRS 501(c)(3) status and can provide written authorization confirming its willingness to act as the fiscal sponsor. Schools that are tribally-controlled 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and schools that are tribally-operated such as tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), any public or Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. The definition of “tribal-led” is: an organization in which a majority (>51%) of the board of directors and leadership team are American Indian or Alaska Native. Organizations that are not tribal-led are not eligible to apply (with or without a fiscal sponsor). For more information, visit TSAF.

In order to better support the businesses, the City of Hyattsville offers a Commercial Façade Improvement Program. Donor Name: City of Hyattsville State: Maryland City: Hyattsville Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program provides funding to business or property owners within the three targeted investment areas to improve their building’s façade.  The City of Hyattsville, Maryland, recognizes the positive impact that individual façade improvements can have on the overall appearance, quality, and vitality of the City’s commercial districts. The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program was created to facilitate the private sector in making these desired exterior improvements. The City of Hyattsville Commercial Façade Improvement Program offers financial assistance to private property or business owners seeking to rehabilitate commercial building facades in the following Target Investment Areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary goals of the City of Hyattsville Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program are to remove accessibility barriers, facilitate investment, and achieve significant visual improvements in commercial facade appearance. Projects that meet the primary goals will be preferred. Funding Information The grant is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of $5,000 – $35,000. Eligible Improvements  Grants will be awarded for well-designed façade improvements that increase the longevity of a building. The funds may be used for specific improvements including: Signage Exterior painting Storefront reconstruction Siding Exterior lighting Window and door upgrades Public-facing masonry or cornices Murals Removal of unattractive exterior finishes Roofs Other uses approved by the Program Eligibility Requirements  Existing structures currently zoned for commercial use and in current commercial use, or planned for commercial use, within the corporate limits of the City of Hyattsville are eligible for the grant. In the event that a building code compliance violation is present, correction of the violation must be made as part of the façade improvement work. Eligible applicants include the owner of a commercial building or the owner of a commercial business. Properties which are vacant at the time of award must tenant the improved space, with a permitted use, within six (6) months of the completion of the façade improvement work. All applications must be signed by the property owner to indicate consent for the proposed improvements. The determination of eligibility and priority for assistance is at the discretion of the City of Hyattsville. Work which qualifies for assistance includes improvements to the exterior of a building which are visible from the public right-of-way. Work must be completed within one year of the grant award notification. For more information, visit City of Hyattsville.

The Town of Chesapeake City is happy to announce that applications are now available to property owners for the Façade Improvement Grant. Donor Name: Town of Chesapeake City State: Maryland City: Chesapeake City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Façade Improvement Program supports exterior facade projects to recover and promote the integrity of the buildings and improve the visual characteristics of the community. The Chesapeake City Façade Improvement Program is funded by the State of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Community Legacy Program. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the following list: Fascia and soffit replacement/repair Door and window replacement/repair Porch and step replacement/repair Painting Masonry repair Repointing of Masonry facades Removal of historically inappropriate and/or incompatible exterior features and finishes. Installation of historically appropriate and/or compatible features and finishes. Funding Information The maximum grant award per property is $10,000.00 Eligibility Criteria Property Owner (Applicant) must apply for the grant. Applications must be submitted in person or via U.S. Postal Service. Projects are limited to exterior façade improvements. Applicant must use licensed home improvement contractors for all work. Work involving lead and asbestos removal require MDE certified contractors. A copy of the contractor’s home improvement license/certification(s) must be included with the application. (Business license is not an acceptable substitution.) Applicants are encouraged to provide a contribution toward the project. Contributions can be monetary, materials, and/or labor. (In the instance of material or labor, documentation will be required to verify the contribution value). Applicants that indicate a contribution will be responsible for the amount indicated which will be deducted by the Town of Chesapeake City from monetary disbursement. For more information, visit Town of Chesapeake City.

The City of South Bend Department of Public Works is now accepting applications for the 2024 Lamppost Lighting Program, which assists homeowners with lighting enhancements in their neighborhoods. Donor Name: City of South Bend State: Indiana City: South Bend Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program offers easy self-install, solar-powered lampposts for residential front yards. The City of South Bend’s Lamppost Lighting Program assists homeowners with lighting enhancements in their neighborhoods. The cost-share program offers easy self-install, solar-powered lampposts for residential front yards. The solar lampposts must be mounted in a level area within approximately five feet of the edge of sidewalk. They cannot be installed in the tree lawn. There is a limit of one lamppost per household. The homeowner is responsible for pickup, installation and any maintenance of the lamppost after installation. The City’s Division of Engineering will inspect the lampposts to ensure proper installation. The cost-share program is available to homeowners within city limits. For 2024, the City has selected two target areas based on income, number of vacant lots and need for lighting in the neighborhood. Homeowners who live within the target areas will pay a lower share of the total cost: Within target areas, homeowners pay $50. Outside target areas, homeowners pay $250. For more information, visit City of South Bend.