Local Energy Grants

The City of Pittsburg Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to stimulate investment in the local business community by offering up to $10,000 for façade enhancements to eligible businesses. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to support and foster the growth of its local businesses, recognizing them as essential for community vitality, opportunity creation, and creativity. By focusing on visible improvements to storefronts, the program directly contributes to the beautification of public-facing areas and the overall image of the city. The primary beneficiaries of this program are small, brick-and-mortar businesses with public-facing storefronts located within Pittsburg city limits and holding an active City of Pittsburg Business License. Shopping centers with five or fewer tenants are also eligible. The program explicitly excludes home-based businesses and businesses that sell tobacco, alcohol, cannabis products, or adult materials. The impact goal is to create more inviting storefronts, improve neighborhood characteristics, encourage reinvestment in older buildings, and increase potential foot traffic for businesses, ultimately benefiting the businesses, their customers, and the wider Pittsburg community. The program prioritizes enhancements and beautification of public-facing building façades that will improve the image and characteristics of the building, the business, and the City. Specific focuses include signage, awnings, exterior paint (including anti-graffiti), architectural treatments, stucco, cladding, and/or siding repair, windows, front entrance doors, exterior lighting, planter boxes, and bicycle racks. The City seeks businesses that will provide the maximum return on investment and long-lasting benefits. A property-owner-led application is highly encouraged to ensure uniform projects, though individual tenants can also apply. The expected outcomes include a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment, increased business visibility, and a more inviting experience for customers. Measurable results will include the number of façades improved, the amount of grant funds dispersed (up to $10,000 per applicant from a $30,000 budget), and potentially qualitative feedback on improved neighborhood characteristics and increased foot traffic. The City's strategic priority is to invest in its local businesses to help them thrive, with a theory of change that by improving the physical appearance of business fronts, the city can stimulate economic activity, enhance community pride, and foster a more vibrant local economy.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos to help residents save money on energy bills, improve local air quality, and promote environmental sustainability through outreach and education initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports community and faith-based organizations in Maryland to implement programs focused on preventing opioid misuse, promoting harm reduction, and aiding recovery efforts.

The City of West Haven's American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas. This initiative seeks to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrancy by preserving or upgrading existing storefront facades, contributing to the economic revitalization and community well-being of the city. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text describes a city-run grant program rather than a foundation. Therefore, the alignment is with the city's goal of urban improvement and economic development for its small businesses. The program primarily targets for-profit small businesses located within the City of West Haven, defined as having no more than 50 full-time employees and meeting the criteria of a small business concern as per the Small Business Act. These businesses must be in good standing with the City and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service, and cannot have received alternate funding for the same intended costs. The grant also has specific eligibility for property owners or businesses with lease terms extending through June 2026 if they lease their space. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more inviting and safer urban environment, encouraging local commerce, and supporting the financial health and longevity of West Haven's small businesses. Key priorities and focuses of the grant program include exterior improvements such as new windows, doors, awnings, painting, attached signage, siding, brick appointing, and exterior lighting. It also covers HVAC installation/upgrades and outdoor dining/patio space (if affixed to the building). The program explicitly excludes work completed prior to agreement execution, new construction, temporary improvements, neon signs, interior improvements, roofs (unless part of a larger project), and the removal of architecturally significant features. This selective approach ensures that funds are directed towards improvements that directly contribute to the facade's visual appeal and the overall streetscape. Expected outcomes of the program include a noticeable improvement in the appearance of storefronts, leading to increased foot traffic and commercial activity in the downtown and other public shopping areas. The addition of safety measures like enhanced lighting is anticipated to create a more secure environment for pedestrians and patrons. By providing financial assistance for these upgrades, the City of West Haven expects to stimulate local economic growth, retain existing businesses, and attract new investments, thereby reinforcing the city's identity as a vibrant and thriving community for its residents and visitors.

The Monmouth County Community Grant, supported by the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ), welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations addressing a diverse array of community needs. While the CFNJ's broader mission likely encompasses fostering philanthropy and addressing critical issues within New Jersey, this specific grant program aligns with a commitment to supporting local initiatives in Monmouth County. The grant program seeks to empower organizations that demonstrate a dedication to improving the lives of residents and strengthening the community as a whole. This grant primarily targets underserved populations within Monmouth County, aiming to benefit them directly through programs and services in critical areas such as education, healthcare, housing, food security, employment, and youth development. The expected outcomes include tangible improvements in these areas, leading to enhanced well-being, increased opportunities, and a more equitable community for these beneficiaries. A key priority for funding consideration is a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), evident in both the leadership and service delivery of applicant organizations. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes collaborative partnerships between nonprofit organizations, community groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders. This focus on collaboration aims to maximize impact and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations more effectively, reflecting a strategic approach to problem-solving. The program also offers general operating support, recognizing the importance of sustained funding for nonprofits to continue their vital missions. The grant amount is up to $10,000 per organization, with eligibility primarily extended to nonprofit organizations with less than a $1,000,000 operating budget serving Monmouth County. This demonstrates a strategic priority to support smaller to medium-sized local organizations, enabling them to achieve measurable results and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the community.

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.

The Emerging Erie Fund, a field of interest fund of the Erie Community Foundation, aims to champion local initiatives that will significantly benefit the Erie community both now and in the future. This aligns with the Erie Community Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting innovative projects that "move the needle." The fund was formerly known as the Young Erie Philanthropists, indicating a legacy of engaging with and empowering community-focused efforts. The grant program targets Erie County 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, excluding for-profit entities, sectarian religious activities, fundraising solely, or hospitality projects. The primary beneficiaries are residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, through projects focused on talent development and retention (PEOPLE) and neighborhood public spaces (PLACES). The impact goal is to create sustainable improvements in these key areas, contributing to career development and enhanced public environments within the community. The Emerging Erie Fund prioritizes innovative and ambitious projects where the allocated funds, ranging from $10,000 to a maximum of $75,000, can make a substantial difference. The grantmaking areas, "PEOPLE: Talent Development and Retention" and "PLACES: Neighborhoods Public Spaces," clearly define the strategic focus. The fund seeks proposals that demonstrate a clear potential for significant positive change within an 18-month project period. Expected outcomes include the creation of new career development opportunities, the enhancement of existing talent retention initiatives, and the improvement of public spaces within Erie neighborhoods. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "moving the needle" suggests a desire for demonstrable impact. Organizations are expected to propose projects with clear objectives and a strong likelihood of achieving tangible improvements aligned with the fund's two core grantmaking areas.

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi to implement projects that improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, and enhance access to clean energy, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

The City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability’s (OEQS) Urban Agriculture Division, in partnership with Dallas County Health and Human Services, is implementing an Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Support Program (UAISP). This grant program is designed to strengthen the capabilities of urban growers and farmers within the city of Dallas. The overarching mission alignment is to advance food security, foster healthier communities, and mitigate disparities within the local food system, directly addressing critical community needs through sustainable agricultural practices. The primary beneficiaries of this program are urban growers and farmers in Dallas. The program aims to assist them with the planning, design, and installation of eligible infrastructure, while also simplifying the permitting process. The key impact goals are to enhance the capacity of these growers, ultimately leading to a more robust and equitable local food system, improved access to healthy and safe foods, and a reduction in food-related disparities. The UAISP prioritizes projects focused on power and water infrastructure. Allowable expenditures include project plans/designs, counseling, utility connections (on or off-grid for water, off-grid for energy), contracted labor/installations, greenhouses/hoop houses, versatile high tunnels, cold storage equipment, grow light systems, and bee hives. Projects that directly support the production, aggregation, and/or processing of food through power or water infrastructure will receive preferential consideration during the application evaluation. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the infrastructure supporting urban agriculture, leading to increased food production and processing capabilities. Measurable results will likely involve the number of grants awarded, the types of infrastructure implemented (e.g., number of new irrigation systems, cold storage units, greenhouses), and the resulting impact on food security and community health within Dallas. The program's strategic priority is to build resilience in the local food system, with a theory of change that posits that by providing financial and technical support for essential infrastructure, urban growers will be empowered to expand their operations, thereby creating a more accessible, sustainable, and equitable food supply for the community.

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.

This funding opportunity supports youth-led projects in Fairfax County aimed at reducing mental health stigma and promoting suicide prevention among peers.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Turlock to support services that assist low- to moderate-income individuals, such as food assistance, homeless services, and youth programs.

This program provides financial support to commercial property owners and business tenants in Boyd to improve the exterior appearance and accessibility of their properties through renovations and enhancements.

The City of Tucson is offering a two-year grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to local organizations and businesses for programs in areas such as relief for families and workers, small business support, community reinvestment, workforce development, and affordable housing, with a focus on long-term, data-driven investments to address inequities and expand community services.

The Anne Arundel County Government and Chesapeake Bay Trust have partnered to fund forestry projects and land protection in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. This grant program, with a deadline of August 1, 2024, offers grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for a duration of two years. The overarching goal is to implement cost-effective reforestation and greening initiatives while increasing protected forested land. This aligns with the Chesapeake Bay Trust's mission of restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay, as increasing tree cover and green areas directly contribute to improved water and soil quality, reduced erosion, and filtered airborne pollutants, all of which benefit the health of the Bay watershed. The program targets areas within Anne Arundel County, excluding the City of Annapolis. The primary beneficiaries are the residents and the natural environment of Anne Arundel County, as the projects aim to improve air and water quality, mitigate erosion, reduce summer temperatures and ozone pollution, and ensure valuable ecological services like habitat, water quality, and flood control for the future. The desired impact is a healthier, more sustainable environment through increased tree cover and protected forested lands. The program prioritizes reforestation/afforestation of protected lands, permanent protection of forested lands, and reforestation/afforestation and protection of uneased and unforested lands. Track 1 focuses on projects providing ecological benefits through riparian buffers, contiguous forest tracts, and wildlife habitat. Track 2 supports acquiring, executing, recording, and monitoring permanent conservation easements to protect existing tree canopy, particularly ecologically valuable sites. Track 3 allows for reforestation/afforestation on unprotected land, contingent on placing a permanent conservation easement, deed restriction, or long-term protective agreement. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in acres of reforested and protected forested land within Anne Arundel County. By expanding tree cover, the program anticipates a reduction in erosion, an improvement in water and soil quality, and a decrease in airborne pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide. Additionally, the initiative is expected to lower summer temperatures, thereby reducing ozone pollution and energy consumption. The protection of forested lands will ensure long-term ecological services like wildlife habitat, sustained water quality, and effective flood control, contributing to the overall resilience and environmental health of the county.

The County of Maui's Green Grants program offers approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects promoting sustainability. Managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), the program aims to advance critical initiatives in environmental protection, restoration, and sustainable development across Maui County. This aligns with the broader mission of fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious community. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. The program particularly encourages projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The overall impact goal is to enhance environmental protection, restore wetlands, promote renewable energy, encourage green building, and facilitate the acquisition of essential equipment for sustainability initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable Maui County. The Green Grants program prioritizes several key areas through its distinct funding streams. These include the Environmental Protection Grant, which supports invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability (with a specific allocation for Waikapū community beautification). The Wetlands Restoration Grant focuses on organizations dedicated to wetland restoration. The Renewable Energy Grant supports initiatives promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant encourages sustainable building practices, with a portion designated for Living Building Challenge participants. Finally, the Equipment Purchase Grant assists in acquiring necessary equipment for all sustainability and environmental initiatives. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in environmental health, increased adoption of renewable energy, more sustainable building practices, and enhanced capacity for environmental initiatives through equipment acquisition. For instance, the Wetlands Restoration Grant aims to advance critical restoration efforts, while the Renewable Energy Grant seeks to enhance energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant promotes sustainable design and construction. Measurable results would include the number of restored wetlands, reduction in invasive species, new renewable energy installations, and the implementation of green building projects. The project period for grants is a full year, with options to align with either the Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) in 2025.

The Philip S. Miller Resource Grant Program (PSMRGP), funded by the Philip S. Miller Trust Fund, is dedicated to supporting social and human services within Castle Rock. This program aligns with its foundation's mission by addressing fundamental community needs through targeted grant funding. The Town of Castle Rock serves as the donor for this grant, demonstrating a local commitment to enhancing the well-being of its residents. The program's primary beneficiaries are organizations that provide essential necessities of life to the community. The impact goal is to ensure that these vital services, specifically water, energy, food, and shelter assistance, are accessible to those in need. The grant seeks to strengthen the capacity of qualifying organizations to deliver these critical resources, thereby fostering a more stable and supportive environment in Castle Rock. The PSMRGP prioritizes funding requests that directly address at least one of the listed necessities: water, energy, food, or shelter assistance. While the grant duration is not specified, the funding information indicates that the Town has budgeted $45,000 for up to five organizations this year. This strategic allocation aims to distribute resources effectively among multiple organizations, maximizing the program's reach and impact within the community. Eligibility for the grant is restricted to organizations that have been approved and operating for a minimum of five years, pursuant to the terms of the Internal Revenue Code as either 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) entities. This criterion ensures that funding is directed towards established, legitimate organizations with a proven track record of service. The expected outcome is a sustained and enhanced provision of crucial social and human services, contributing to the overall welfare and resilience of Castle Rock.

The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is launching the fifth round of funding for its Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. This program is a grant/reimbursement initiative designed to empower property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings. The overarching mission alignment for this program is to create a positive visual impact within the city, stimulate private investment, and diligently preserve Opelousas' historic identity and cultural assets. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property and business owners within the Opelousas Downtown Development District who own commercial buildings. The core impact goals are to foster economic development through private investment, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, and ensure the safeguarding of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. The program directly supports the revitalization of commercial spaces, which, in turn, contributes to a more vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible and permanent building improvements. Eligible uses of funds are comprehensive, including restoration and renovation of buildings, installation of awnings (without signage), brick cleaning or re-pointing, accent lighting, removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street, and restoration of windows, doors, and original exterior/interior architectural features. Additionally, interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, and plumbing is covered, as well as work on roofs, cornices, gutters, downspouts, and the cleaning, preparation, and painting of walls and trim. These priorities are aimed at holistic improvement of commercial properties. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual appeal of downtown Opelousas, an increase in private investment in commercial properties, and the successful preservation of historic buildings. While not explicitly stated as "measurable results" in the traditional sense, the program's structure and goals imply that the number of rehabilitated buildings, the amount of private investment stimulated, and the visible improvements in the downtown area would serve as key indicators of success. The program offers a total of $200,000 in grant funds, with a maximum application amount of $10,000 per project, providing a clear framework for financial allocation and impact tracking.

This funding opportunity provides up to $3,000 to established organizations in Edgecombe County that offer recreational services to enhance limited recreational opportunities for local residents.

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.