Private Energy Grants

The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation, aims to support independent restaurants in California. This initiative is a clear alignment with the foundation's mission to strengthen the restaurant community by providing crucial financial aid. The fund, powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E, is set to award 278 independent restaurants with grants of $5,000 in 2024. The primary beneficiaries of this program are independently owned, for-profit restaurants or commercial caterers in California. Specifically, eligible entities must be owned by a CA resident, operate 1-5 units, earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units), and be a commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E, while currently being open and active for business. Franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible, ensuring the grants directly support small, independent operators. The impact goal is to bolster the resilience and sustainability of these businesses, particularly in areas of operational improvement, employee welfare, and recovery from unforeseen hardships. The fund prioritizes several key areas for grant utilization. These include investments in energy-efficient kitchen equipment, which also qualify for rebates, thereby maximizing the grant's value. Technology upgrades are another focus, supporting the adoption of essential systems like POS, website, accounting, HR, inventory management, and loyalty programs. Employee training, covering areas like program design, ServSafe certifications, and participation in industry training councils, is also a priority, recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce. Additionally, the grants can be used for retention bonuses to reward employees and for addressing unforeseen hardships such as robbery, vandalism, fire, flood, or natural disasters experienced within the last 12 months. The expected outcomes are a more resilient and modern independent restaurant sector in California. Measurable results will include the number of restaurants receiving grants, the types of investments made (e.g., number of energy-efficient equipment purchases, technology upgrades implemented, employees trained, or retention bonuses distributed), and the number of businesses recovering from hardships. While not explicitly detailed as a strategic priority or theory of change within the provided text, the foundation's approach appears to be a direct intervention model, providing financial resources to address immediate needs and foster long-term stability and growth for small businesses within the restaurant industry. This strategy directly contributes to economic stability and community welfare by supporting a vital sector.

This funding opportunity supports South Carolina organizations focused on anti-litter initiatives, encouraging collaboration and community involvement to reduce litter and promote environmental stewardship.

The Facility Start-Up/New License Grant, offered by Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) in Maine, aims to support entrepreneurs in establishing new child care facilities or expanding existing ones. This grant provides funding to help new child care businesses cover up to 50% of their start-up costs, with a total award ceiling of $80,000, and a general grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. CEI's mission, though not explicitly detailed in the provided text, can be inferred as supporting economic development and community well-being through strategic investments, particularly in vital services like child care. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and organizations (sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers) interested in starting or expanding child care facilities outside of a home environment. The impact goals are to increase access to quality child care, particularly in specific counties of Maine, and to foster business growth in this essential sector. By providing start-up capital, the program seeks to alleviate financial barriers for new and expanding child care providers, thereby strengthening the child care infrastructure. Priority is given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine, indicating a strategic focus on underserved or high-need areas within the state. Additionally, bonus points are awarded to applicants who commit to providing care for infants and toddlers, serving income-eligible families (those receiving subsidies), and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. These priorities align with broader goals of supporting vulnerable populations and improving the nutritional well-being of children. The grant funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including purchasing, renting, or renovating buildings for child care, constructing new facilities, acquiring educational materials, indoor furniture, outdoor learning environments, playground equipment, and health and safety supplies. Importantly, funds can also cover working capital for the first month, including pre-opening payroll and initial food costs. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of high-quality child care slots, particularly for infants, toddlers, and income-eligible families, in the designated priority counties. This initiative directly supports community development by addressing critical social and economic needs related to child care accessibility and quality.

This fellowship supports emerging and underrepresented women and non-binary artists in New York City by providing them with the opportunity to develop and exhibit their work, along with access to mentorship and professional development resources.

This grant provides financial assistance to local governments in Arizona to develop and implement energy efficiency and conservation strategies that reduce fossil fuel emissions and promote sustainable energy practices.

The National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program is investing $50 million in the Gulf Futures Challenge to fund projects addressing critical challenges in the Gulf region. The Challenge aims to discover and promote innovative and transformative solutions by leveraging the talent and knowledge of the Gulf's people. The competition focuses on three main areas: energy transition, environmental change along the coast, and healthy and resilient communities. Up to ten finalists will receive up to $1 million in project development support, with two finalists awarded $20 million each to implement their solutions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and academic institutions from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas, with projects located within 100 miles of the Gulf coastline. The registration deadline is August 20, 2024, and the application deadline is September 20, 2024.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in historic downtowns affected by recent natural disasters, helping them recover and thrive.

This initiative provides funding and support for innovators and startups developing transformative technologies in energy and resilience, enabling them to pitch their solutions to key decision-makers and access significant federal and private funding opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations of color in New England with annual expenses under $500,000, helping them sustain and expand their cultural programming and community engagement.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation offers grants to 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations in the greater West Bend area, Wisconsin, prioritizing projects in arts and culture, education, family, youth, elderly, health and human services, community development, and historic preservation, with an application deadline of 10/07/2024.

This grant provides funding to South Carolina municipalities, litter control organizations, and community groups for litter removal projects, especially in areas that are challenging for volunteers to access safely.

This grant provides funding to organizations working to improve environmental justice and community resilience in underserved areas of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Hawaii by addressing issues like air quality, water contamination, and public health disparities.

This program provides support, mentorship, and funding to early-stage cleantech startups in Tennessee and surrounding regions to help them commercialize innovative technologies.

Con Edison seeks proposals for social justice grants that empower disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities to address climate resiliency in New York City and Westchester. The program supports actionable initiatives created with and for communities most impacted by extreme heat, severe weather, and flooding. Priority is given to organizations and partnerships with strong histories of community organizing around justice issues, leadership that reflects community demographics, deep engagement with residents, and clear policy and advocacy goals. Programs may include education on environmental burdens, skills based trainings on preparedness and advocacy, community convenings to plan for climate impacts, and projects that elevate community perspectives for decision makers. Projects must serve beneficiaries within the service territory and in designated disadvantaged communities. Total seed funding of up to 1,000,000 dollars will support programs beginning in July 2024. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations; in collaborative projects a designated 501(c)(3) must serve as fiscal agent. Programs must be located within priority communities and demonstrate meaningful community impact. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from Con Edison.

This program provides solar panels and canopies to mission-driven nonprofits and houses of worship in Wisconsin, helping them reduce energy costs and promote renewable energy adoption in their communities.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations for collaborative projects that promote research and practical solutions in renewable natural resources, focusing on environmental, social, and economic improvements.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, public sector entities, and scalable for-profit companies in the U.S. to develop and promote innovative wood products and value chains that enhance sustainable forestry and rural economic development.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to emerging artists in South Carolina to help them develop their artistic practice and advance their careers.