Local Energy Grants

The Town of St. Johnsbury is accepting applications for its 2024-25 Rental Housing Improvement Program. Donor Name: Town of St. Johnsbury State: Vermont Town: St. Johnsbury Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Rental Housing Improvement Program is to encourage landlords to improve rental housing in St. Johnsbury resulting in more livable, sustainable, and marketable rental units for everyone. Universal Design, energy efficiency improvements, and Fire Life and Safety improvements are strongly encouraged.  Program Features A reimbursement grant is provided to landlords who complete capital improvement projects that result in more livable, sustainable, and marketable rental units for everyone. The maximum grant amount is $6,000 per unit, and a budget with supporting estimates must be submitted at the time of grant application. A 1:1 cash match is required (e.g., a grant of $6,000 requires at least a $6,000 cash match from the property owner), and the grant is reimbursement for funds spent. Grant funds must be used for capital improvements to real property. Please NOTE: Personal property, such as appliances, may be used as matching funds provided that the personal property purchased supports Universal Design Modifications and energy efficiency. The program is managed by the Town. Program Requirements Property must be an existing residential rental housing unit or result in a newly registered rental-ready unit in St. Johnsbury by June 1st , 2025. Property owner must have an up-to-date rental housing registration for all existing rental properties owned in St. Johnsbury; the property must be available for occupancy by June 1st; the property owner must not have any outstanding health or safety violations; and the property for which a grant is sought must have been inspected by the Town Code Compliance Officer. Property owner must be current on all property taxes (and/or agreements), water-sewer bills, civic fees and fines, and parking fees & fines. The Town of St. Johnsbury must review all cost estimates and approve the budget for the project. Finished work must be inspected and approved by the Code Compliance Officer before grant money is released. One grant award per rental housing unit. A single property owner is eligible for a maximum of three awards per award year. In the event that all funding has not been utilized, this restriction may be waived. For more information, visit Town of St. Johnsbury.

The three-phase $2.25 million Silicon Carbide (SiC) Packaging Prize—launched by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Electricity—invites competitors to propose, design, build, and test state-of-the-art SiC packaging prototypes that move the industry beyond its current state. Donor Name: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This prize establishes a final goal of developing 10-kV, 2,000-A rated SiC power modules that expand the state of the art in semiconductor packaging. Silicon carbide devices have become prime candidates for future high-performance power electronics due to their high breakdown voltage, low switching loss, and high-temperature operation. However, conventional packaging techniques limit the performance of SiC power modules because of parasitic inductance and heat dissipation issues. To enable grid-based applications, SiC power module capabilities need to be expanded to handle higher voltage and higher current than commercially available products. Toward this end, the DOE Office of Electricity established the American-Made SiC Packaging Prize as a three-phase contest to achieve the goals stated above. Program Goal Requirements Only submissions relevant to the goals of this program are eligible to compete. The Prize Administrator must conclude that all the following statements are true when applied to your submission: The proposed solution is related to the SiC Semiconductor packaging industry. The majority of activities that are described in and support the submission package are performed in the United States and have the potential to benefit the U.S. market. The proposed solution represents an innovation that will move the industry beyond its current state. The proposed solution is not dependent on new, pending, or proposed federal, state, or local government legislation, resolutions, appropriations, measures, or policies. The proposed solution does not involve the lobbying of any federal, state, or local government office The proposed solution is based on fundamental technical principles and is consistent with a basic understanding of the U.S. market economy The submission content sufficiently confirms the competitor’s intent to commercialize early-stage technology and establish a viable U.S.-based business in the near future with revenues that do not solely depend on licensing fees of intellectual property Phases and Prizes Phase 1 – Design Study Competitors will describe their team, their plan to make progress toward SiC packaging, showcase their current prototypes, and provide evidence of their current metrics that are in alignment with the goals of the prize. The goal of this phase is to develop a set of design documents for a Phase 2 prototype which adheres to the requirements set. Prizes- Up to 10 winners of $50,000 each Phase 2 – Initial Demonstration In Phase 2, winners from Phase 1 will showcase and demonstrate the advancements made during the prize competition in packaging solutions for SiC modules, meeting, exceeding, or making progress toward the Phase 2 performance metrics as outlined in the rules. This phase is designed to act as a milestone towards achieving the Phase 3 target with the goal of innovating towards an improvement over state-of-the-art packaging and creating transformative solutions. Prizes- Up to 4 winners of $250,000 each Phase 3 – Final Demonstration Competitors will demonstrate an advancement in packaging solutions for SiC modules, meeting or exceeding the Phase 3 performance metrics as outlined in the rules. The goal of the final phase is to achieve the high voltage and high current targets, while continuing to innovate towards an improvement over state-of-the-art packaging and creating transformative solutions. Prizes- Up to 1 winner of $750,000 Eligibility Criteria The competition is open only to private entities (for-profits and nonprofits); nonfederal government entities such as states, counties, tribes, and municipalities; academic institutions; and individuals, subject to the following requirements: Private entities must be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States. Academic institutions must be based in the United States. An individual prize competitor or group of competitors who are not competing as part of an incorporated private entity must all be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Individuals competing as part of an incorporated private entity may participate if they are legally allowed to work in the United States. DOE employees, employees of sponsoring organizations, members of their immediate families (e.g., spouses, children, siblings, or parents), and persons living in the same household as such persons, whether or not related, are not eligible to participate in the prize. Individuals who worked at DOE (federal employees or support service contractors) within 6 months prior to the submission deadline of any contest are not eligible to participate in any prize contests in this program. Federal entities and federal employees are not eligible to participate in any portion of the prize. DOE national laboratory employees cannot compete in the prize. Entities and individuals publicly banned from doing business with the U.S. government such as entities and individuals debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participating in federal programs are not eligible to compete. Individuals participating in a foreign government talent recruitment program1 sponsored by a country of risk2 and teams that include such individuals are not eligible to compete. Entities owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a government of a country of risk are not eligible to compete. Phase 2 Eligibility  Only winners of Phase 1 are eligible to compete in Phase 2. Phase 3 Eligibility  Only winners of Phase 2 are eligible to compete in Phase 3. For more information, visit DOE.

The City of Evanston’s “Sustain Evanston” Incentive Program is a funding tool to assist small business owners to implement sustainability measures that align with the goals of the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan while reducing their operating costs and better serving their customers. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City provides a rebate of the total cost of qualifying interior or exterior improvements. The Economic Development Division and Sustainability & Resilience Division manage the program. Funding Information Eligible applicants will receive assistance from $1,000 to $25,000. Eligible Expenses Capital Projects such as: Heat Pumps EV Charging Infrastructure Solar PV Waste Collection Enclosures Balers/Compactors Green Infrastructure Green Roofs Insulation Windows Equipment such as: Containers Reusable containers Lighting/Fixtures Appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, induction stove) Services such as: Composting Services Recycling Services Energy/Water Benchmarking Services Consulting Education Materials such as: Signage Labels Eligibility Criteria Eligible participants of the program include: Commercial property owners Tenants of commercial buildings Business Districts Coalition of businesses Tenants must have:  A written commitment to operating within the City of Evanston: A current lease with a minimum of five (5) years remaining from the date of application or; Evidence that the business has operated in Evanston for over five (5) years or; A combination of historical operation and remaining lease time totaling at least five (5) years Written approval from the property owner to participate in the Program Proper business license and/or registration with the City No outstanding debt with the City Business Districts or Coalitions must have:  List of businesses that the project would benefit; Participating business owners’ signed letter of support or signature Proper business license and/or registration with the City No outstanding debt with the City Commercial Property Owners must have:  Proof of ownership No outstanding debt with the City For more information, visit  City of Evanston.

The Town of Olathe is pleased to announce that it has received a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Donor Name: Town of Olathe State: Colorado Town: Olathe Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 12/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant is intended to support the revitalization of our Main Street and bolster local retail businesses. Funding Information Up to $10,000 Eligible Improvements Include, but are not limited to: Awning repair, replacement, removal or addition Removal and replacement of existing business sign(s), or new signs Façade improvements include, but not limited to: Storefront repairs or upgrades, including entryway doors Window repair or replacement Façade alteration Rehabilitation of historic features of building Cleaning of façade materials, painting, brick pointing and other façade improvements Modifications to improve accessibility to business Other improvements with a proven economic benefit or significant return to historical context. Roof and foundation work will not be considered for grant funding at this time. Eligibility Criteria All businesses in the 200 and 300 blocks of Olathe’s Main Street and retail businesses along Highway 50 Business Loop. Tenants must have at least two years remaining on their lease with the property owner and have the property owner’s written permission approvals to apply. A property owner of multiple properties may apply for grant funds for each owned property with separate grant applications, and each application may not exceed $10,000 total project cost. (Total project cost includes applicant’s 25% match.) For more information, visit  Town of Olathe.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

This program provides up to $25,000 in financial assistance to homeowners in New Carrollton for home repairs and improvements, specifically targeting those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Little Haiti Revitalization Trust is launching the Small Business Grant Program to support economic growth and revitalization in Little Haiti, Miami. The Trust will oversee and facilitate the city's revitalization efforts in line with the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The program aims to stimulate employment, business growth, and investment within the Little Haiti boundaries. Eligible businesses can receive up to $20,000 for commercial improvements or $10,000 for innovation improvements, with a match option available. Funding can be used for various commercial improvements such as lighting, roofing, signage, ADA compliance, landscaping, and more. To qualify for funding, businesses must meet specific criteria including registration with the State of Florida before January 1, 2021; possession of a City of Miami-issued Certificate of Use; current status with Business Tax Receipt payments; operation within Little Haiti boundaries; and compliance with financial obligations to the City of Miami. Preference will be given to businesses that align best with the grant program's objectives, legacy businesses operating for 7 or more years within Little Haiti boundaries, and those located in the downtown corridor on NE 2nd Ave between 54th – 71st street within Little Haiti boundaries. For more information and application details, visit Little Haiti Revitalization Trust website.

This grant provides financial assistance to homeowners in specific neighborhoods of Paducah for significant home rehabilitation or new construction projects, promoting energy efficiency and property improvement.

This grant provides financial assistance to homeowners in Paducah for exterior home improvement projects, encouraging community beautification and property enhancement.

This program provides local and regional artists with the opportunity to display their artwork in vacant storefronts throughout Glendale, enhancing the city's cultural landscape and community identity.

City of Margate Property Improvement Grant Program (Florida) provides a 50% reimbursement grant of up to $50,000 for commercial or multi-family properties and common areas, as well as building exteriors owned by condominium or homeowner associations. The program also offers 50% reimbursement up to $10,000 for improvements to single-family properties or multi-family homesteaded properties. Eligible improvements include exterior painting, landscaping, impact-resistant improvements, roofing, structural repair, and more. The goal is to encourage property and business owners to enhance their properties, thereby improving the area's visual quality and increasing property values in Margate. For more information, visit the Property Improvement Grant Program website.

The 2024 Housing Development and Beautification Grant Program in Ohio offers substantial redevelopment grants of $5,000 for eligible projects exceeding $20,000 per unit, with contractor estimates required. There is also a $7,500 grant for eligible new home construction, with developer budgets required. The grants can be used to subsidize the cost of constructing new housing units or rehabilitating existing ones, as well as for creating new housing units through adaptive reuse of non-residential properties. Additionally, there is a 50% grant assistance (up to $3,000) for exterior home repairs visible from the street, such as painting and roof repairs. The program also provides a $5,000 grant for eligible home purchases of one-, two-, and three-family residences that will be owner-occupied. Certain permits, inspections, and registered contractors may be required to participate in the program.

This program provides funding to metropolitan cities like Fayetteville for community revitalization projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents, support economic development, and improve public facilities and services.

Grant Opportunity: Saginaw Bay Watershed Pollution Prevention/Chemical Collection Program Description: This grant opportunity is for the construction of a permanent facility to collect pesticides from farmers, homeowners, nurseries, etc. The facility will allow any end user of pesticides to dispose of unwanted materials at no cost. The project was completed in 1999 and is a joint project of the Saginaw County Department of Health and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Grant Opportunity: Demonstrate Effectiveness of Biodegradable Two-Cycle Engine Oil Description: This grant opportunity is for field testing a soy-based oil that can be used as an alternative to petroleum-based oil in engines such as jet skis, outboard motors, and snowmobiles. The soy-based oil is environmentally preferable as it is 96% biodegradable and does not emit pollutants into the air and water. The funding will be used to demonstrate the safety and performance of the oil and document reductions in emissions into the environment. Grant Opportunity: Saginaw Bay Watershed Native Planting Preserve at Saginaw Valley State University Description: This grant opportunity aims to fund the development of a native planting preserve on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. The preserve will include plants, signage, and walking trails. The project intends to encourage the use of native plantings in the general public and serve as a demonstration/research site at the university. Grant Opportunity: Alternative Energy from Agriculturally-Derived Pellet Fuel Description: This grant opportunity involves analyzing the technical and economic viability of manufacturing renewable pellet fuel derived from agricultural sources. The research includes studying the economic and environmental impact of using biomass combustion furnaces for heating residential and light industrial buildings. The project also includes developing a web-based interface for real-time telemetry information. Grant Opportunity: Conservation Tillage Risk Protection Program Description: This grant opportunity aims to demonstrate the use of conservation tillage in two subwatersheds of the Tittabawassee River. The

This funding opportunity provides up to $250 for individuals or small groups in Burlington's Old North End to complete neighborhood projects or events that foster community engagement.

The Downtown Johnson City Facade Improvement Grant Program is to provide incentives to improve the facades of buildings within the Redevelopment District of Downtown Johnson City, with a priority within the Historic Overlay District. Donor Name: Johnson City Development Authority State: Tennessee City: Johnson City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: By improving the appearance of building facades, the program serves to increase the economic viability of this area, improved aesthetics, increase property values, enhance the marketability of space within the buildings, eliminate blight, and draw businesses and residents to the area. The Downtown Johnson City Facade Grant Improvement Program is administered by the Johnson City Development Authority and is supported through the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program. Conforming commercial and mixed-use properties located in the Historic Overlay District are eligible for the façade improvement program.  Examples of Eligible Activities Masonry repairs and repointing bricks; Repair/replace/preserve historically significant architectural details; Storefront reconstruction; Removal of false façade; Cornice repair; Exterior painting and stucco; Awnings and canopies; Window and door repair or replacement; Permanent exterior lighting; Repair/replacement of gutters and down spouts; Permanent exterior signage integrated into the design; Visible roof repairs in conjunction with structural improvements; Decking and stairs; and Visible electrical, mechanical equipment enclosures Eligibility Criteria In order to be eligible for a facade grant, applicants must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City’s Historic Zoning Commission or receive preapproval from the City’s Planning Division staff. In addition to design criteria, the Planning Division will determine if the use of the building conforms to the use requirements for the zoning district in which the property is located. Furthermore, the application must submit their proposed renovations to the JCDA and receive approval prior to commencing the renovations. The level of funding for each grant will be based upon the availability of funds and the impact of the project upon the Redevelopment District. Eligible properties will be considered for reimbursement at 50% of the costs of renovations associated with eligible facade improvements to the primary facade of the building and 25% of the costs of renovations on side of the buildings that are street facing. Re-imbursement will be capped at $10,000 per application for eligible facade improvements to single-faced buildings. For buildings with multiple street facing facades, up to an additional $5,000 may be awarded. Larger grants may be awarded for projects that show substantial economic impact, including job creation and sales tax generation in the downtown area. Grants will be evaluated and awarded on a case-by-case basis and may be denied for any reason. Additional Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be current on all taxes, mortgages, and insurance for the proposed project site. Property owners who are licensed general contractors must provide a second quote from a licensed contractor in order to be eligible. Projects that have been approved but have failed to commence within six (6) months of the approval date must reapply. For more information, visit JCDA.

Open Space Institute and the Land Trust Alliance are pleased to announce the 2024 Land and Climate Grant Program. Donor Name: Open Space Institute State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The program aims to support and build the capacity of land trusts and other groups that conserve and steward land to integrate climate change into land protection and management decisions. The program will support the development of climate-informed land conservation, stewardship, policy, or communications plans that address one or more of the following issues habitat resilience, carbon mitigation, renewable energy siting or community adaptation to climate impacts such as stronger storms, flooding, drought, fire or extreme heat. Projects should achieve one or more of the following deliverables: Land protection plans Incorporate climate science into new or existing strategic conservation plans that target land protection for climate adaptation or mitigation. Management plans Incorporate climate science into land stewardship or management plans to address adaptation and/or mitigation strategies. Communications plans Develop a comprehensive climate communication strategy that promotes the adaptation and mitigation goals of the organization and its conservation or stewardship plans. Renewable Energy Siting Plans Develop a plan, decision matrix and/or policies to guide organizational engagement with renewable energy siting on conservation lands and/or in service areas. Funding Information Through the program, Land Trust Alliance and Open Space Institute will award $200,000 to support projects in the 2024 grant round. Projects must begin in 2024 and be completed by Dec. 1, 2025. Eligible Use of Grant Funds The grants may be used to cover costs associated with the development of strategic conservation plans or land management plans as described above and/or to develop internal policies, procedures, and communications in support of this work. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to staff time, travel, graphic design, printing, mailing, indirect costs (up to 15%) and project consultants. Eligibility Criteria Land Trust Alliance Grants Land Trust Alliance member land trusts and Affiliate state land trust associations are eligible to apply. Applicants must have been a qualified organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for at least two years, or, in the case of affiliate member state land trust associations, have an established fiduciary meeting this qualification. Applicants must be a current member in good standing of the Land Trust Alliance. Preference is given to accredited land trusts and organizations with a board-approved plan to pursue accreditation. Geographic eligibility: Nation-wide. Open Space Institute The following entities are eligible to apply for Open Space Institute grants: 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations or organizations that otherwise fulfill a similar not-for-profit charitable purpose State or federally recognized Tribes Open Space Institute will consider applications from the following regions and states: Northern New England: Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine Delaware River Watershed: Portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Open Space Institute will award grants to support land conservation and land stewardship plans that address climate resilience with a preference for projects that integrate forest carbon and/or mitigation of flood hazard or other climate impacts to communities. For more information, visit Open Space Institute.

The City of Kalamazoo is seeking applications for the O’Connor Fund 2024. Donor Name: City of Kalamazoo State: Michigan City: Kalamazoo Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The O’Connor Fund for Historic Preservation was created in 2000 to help the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission (KHPC) support historic preservation activity in Kalamazoo by Pam O’Connor (who was a member of the KHPC at the time) and her husband Terry. Funding Information Grants between $2,000 to $10,000. Eligible Project Types  All Projects must be carried out or supervised by a qualified professional with experience in the project’s associated field. Rehabilitation Projects include: work on the resource exterior, including roofs and chimneys, walls, windows and doors, fire escapes, elevators, foundations and other exterior components. Preservation Planning Projects include: Economic Feasibility Studies, Historic Building Condition Reports, preparing architectural rehabilitation plans for a project, National or Local Historic District study reports, under-represented communities surveys, designation nominations, and other planning activities as determined by the Committee. Eligibility Criteria  located within the city of Kalamazoo owned by a 501(c)(3) or other non-profit organization, public agency, or governmental unit operating in the city of Kalamazoo include planning efforts, buildings, areas and other resources that are more than 50 years old, or where a majority of resources are more than 50 years old in alignment with the KHPC Annual Work Plan, goals and plans of Imagine Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County Housing Plan and Michigan Statewide Historic Preservation Plan. For more information, visit City of Kalamazoo.