Colorado Energy Grants

The Agrivoltaics Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program supports innovation and research in the agrivoltaics industry to support agricultural producers and further Colorado’s renewable energy transition. Donor Name: Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) State: Colorado County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant encourages innovative projects, including demonstrations of agrivoltaics, research projects, and outreach campaigns to further agrivoltaics and Colorado’s agricultural economy. Funding Information Up to $500,000 is available for projects that study the potential, benefits, and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics in Colorado. The maximum grant award is $249,000 for a single project application. Eligible Expenses  All expenses must be directly related to the goals and outcomes in the grantee application. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to: Salaries Travel expenses (aligned with the rates defined by the US General Services Administration) Direct costs including but not limited to: Construction costs, including materials and labor Research supplies Payment or lease of needed equipment Marketing or outreach materials Permitting Project Assessments and feasibility studies Contractor payments Indirect costs (maximum 5% of grant award). Eligible Projects  Eligible project types include: Construction of agrivoltaics systems and agrivoltaics demonstration projects. Expansion of existing demonstration projects of agrivoltaic systems. Research projects that focus on understanding the benefits, incremental costs, and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics systems. Outreach and communication projects focused on agrivoltaics benefits and/or obstacles. Eligibility Criteria  Tribal or local government; Colleges, universities, or other institutions of higher education; Other research organizations; Energy providers, including electric cooperatives, utilities; 501(c)3s; For-profit entities; Farmers, Ranchers, other Individuals. For more information, visit CDA.

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 grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in El Paso and Teller Counties, Colorado, to promote healthy environments through initiatives that enhance physical activity, improve access to nutritious food, and support affordable housing solutions.

The City of Englewood is seeking applications for its Sustainability Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Englewood State: Colorado City: Englewood Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Englewood defines sustainability as a city that stewards its resources for the benefit of current and future generations. The sustainability grants are intended to further sustainability through projects that will have lasting impacts in the City of Englewood. Funding Available and Project Types Community groups, businesses, or individuals can apply for up to $1,000 for their Englewood-based sustainability project. The most successful projects will engage community members in sustainability work, implement sustainable practices to areas most in-need, and will encompass one or more of the following sustainability sub-sections: Air Quality: Improve public health outcomes through better air quality Built Environment and Infrastructure: Infrastructure designed and maintained in an economic, equitable, and ecological manner Community Resilience: A community that can foresee, withstand, adapt to, and recover from adversity Economic Resilience: A local economy that can foresee, withstand, adapt to, and recover from adversity Energy: Programs, policies, and initiatives designed to encourage renewable, affordable, and accessible energy Natural Environment: Protection of the natural environment Waste and Recycling: Increase recycling and composting efforts and diversion of waste Water Protection: Protection of water resources, including rivers and streams. Project Ideas There are many types of sustainability, and due to the diversity of sustainable practices, there are many projects you could use this grant funding for! Some project ideas include: Coloradoscaping AKA Xeriscaping Educational programs, workshops Sustainability materials (books, [other], etc.) Clothing drive Community clean-up events Environmental art projects Water reduction campaigns Energy efficient business upgrades And more! Eligibility Requirements  Projects must be located within the City of Englewood and cannot be on private property for the primary benefit of the homeowner. Must identify at least one person to serve as the project coordinator. All projects must include permission from the property owner or entity that is responsible for the maintenance of the project location. Grants are not to be used for the purchase of land or to subsidize social, political, or organizational memberships. Grants are to benefit the Englewood community. The funds are not to be used to pay individuals, organizations, or groups for their private benefit. Grants are not to be used for cash prizes. Grants may be used for field trips or admissions for sustainability educational purposes. Grants are intended for implementation activities (programs, structures, events, or projects); planning efforts are not to be included. Grant funds may not be used for operational or maintenance costs, or salaries. Funds shall also not be used for motor vehicles, or any other electronic devices not required for the grant purpose (such as cell phones, tablets, etc.). All applicable permitting fees remain in effect. City permits are still required and are not waived as a part of the grant process. Fees for items including, but not limited to building permits, fence/wall permits, and sign permits must be submitted to the City of Englewood prior to construction/installation. Please keep this in mind when formulating your grant budget. Projects must be implemented and maintained by the project coordinator. A completed grant budget form must be completely filled out and uploaded to the application form at the time of submission. For more information, visit City of Englewood.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in Denver that are working to reduce fossil fuel transportation and promote cleaner travel options to help combat climate change.

The Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant aims to support Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses in developing and commercializing new technologies that will be created or manufactured in the state. The grant addresses the market's underinvestment in early-stage technologies by offering financial support of up to $250,000, with the possibility of exceeding this amount for projects impacting multiple advanced industries. Eligible businesses must be involved in creating disruptive technology, be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State, have a significant presence in Colorado, provide a 2-to-1 non-State funding match, and have limited prior financial support and revenues. Preference is given to applicants with ties to Colorado research institutions, entrepreneurship programs, and those recognized by investment groups for their commercial potential. Applications are accepted biannually. Grant renewed every year. Grant Winter Annual deadline: January to March

The Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant aims to support Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses in developing and commercializing new technologies that will be created or manufactured in the state. The grant addresses the market's underinvestment in early-stage technologies by offering financial support of up to $250,000, with the possibility of exceeding this amount for projects impacting multiple advanced industries. Eligible businesses must be involved in creating disruptive technology, be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State, have a significant presence in Colorado, provide a 2-to-1 non-State funding match, and have limited prior financial support and revenues. Preference is given to applicants with ties to Colorado research institutions, entrepreneurship programs, and those recognized by investment groups for their commercial potential. Applications are accepted biannually Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer Annual deadline: July to September

The Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant is designed to accelerate the commercialization of products and services in Colorado's advanced industries by providing up to $150,000 in funding. Targeting Colorado research institutions, the grant facilitates applied research and commercialization in collaboration with the private sector. Eligible projects must focus on precommercial research and preparation, including proof of principle, IP protection, prototypes, market assessment, and start-up formation. Priority is given to joint proposals, projects affecting multiple advanced industries, and those with Colorado-based advanced industry business sponsorship. The next application period opens on July 1, 2024. Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer Annual deadline: July to September

The Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant is designed to accelerate the commercialization of products and services in Colorado's advanced industries by providing up to $150,000 in funding. Targeting Colorado research institutions, the grant facilitates applied research and commercialization in collaboration with the private sector. Eligible projects must focus on precommercial research and preparation, including proof of principle, IP protection, prototypes, market assessment, and start-up formation. Priority is given to joint proposals, projects affecting multiple advanced industries, and those with Colorado-based advanced industry business sponsorship. Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer Annual deadline: July to September

The Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant is designed to accelerate the commercialization of products and services in Colorado's advanced industries by providing up to $150,000 in funding. Targeting Colorado research institutions, the grant facilitates applied research and commercialization in collaboration with the private sector. Eligible projects must focus on precommercial research and preparation, including proof of principle, IP protection, prototypes, market assessment, and start-up formation. Priority is given to joint proposals, projects affecting multiple advanced industries, and those with Colorado-based advanced industry business sponsorship. Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer Annual deadline: January To March

The Energy Code Adoption & Enforcement Grant Program is designed to assist local governments in Colorado with the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or an equivalent code, the state's model electric ready and solar ready code, and the model low energy and carbon code to be developed, or an equivalent code. Authorized by House Bill 22-1362, the Colorado Energy Office aims to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to support local governments in adopting new minimum energy codes and training local governments and the building industry on compliance with these codes. The total funding amount available under this program will not exceed $2 million. The program does not have a statutory termination date and will remain open for quarterly funding rounds until all funding is expended. Eligible applicants include local governments or partnerships of local governments, as well as councils of governments or non-profit organizations applying on behalf of local governments. The grant program encourages the adoption and enforcement of energy codes that meet or exceed the State of Colorado’s requirements, aiming for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The application deadline for the third round is March 1, 2024, with future rounds to be announced.

The Automated Permit Processing for Solar (APPS) grant program is designed to support local and tribal governments in implementing automated online solar permitting software, such as SolarAPP+ or Symbium. This innovative software streamlines the solar permitting process by instantly verifying the code compliance of solar systems and issuing permits. By reducing staff processing time, the APPS program aims to enhance the efficiency of solar installations, allowing Coloradans to quickly benefit from their rooftop solar investments. The program has allocated a total of $1 million in grants, available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no matching requirement from recipients. The grant covers various costs associated with adopting automated permitting software, including in-house staff time, training, IT or consultant services, and maintenance or subscription costs for up to three years. The application period opens on April 2, 2024, and closes on June 4, 2024, with program funding available until June 30, 2028, or until expended.

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.

This grant provides financial support to small- and medium-sized technology businesses in Colorado to help them export their products and services to new international markets.

The Small Business Equity Fund (SBEF) grant program, launched by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), provides funding to small businesses in disproportionately impacted communities, specifically Aurora and Commerce City, for energy efficiency upgrades. The program aims to support local small businesses, promote equity and resource efficiency, and enhance operational sustainability. Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000 per business for installations of LED lighting and other small energy upgrades, as well as upfront coverage of up to 70% of the cost for commercial refrigeration equipment replacements. Projects must be approved by the Colorado Green Business Network and are subject to a site visit for eligibility confirmation. Applications can be submitted online until August 1st, 2024, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses must meet certain criteria such as being located in Aurora or Commerce City, operating for at least 2 years, paying utility bills, employing 50 or fewer employees, and being registered with the CO Secretary of State and IRS. To be eligible for additional energy-saving devices, businesses must sign up with Green Biz Tracker and become a Colorado Green Business Network support level member. Pictures of installed equipment must be provided. For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Colorado Green Business Network Specialists via email at [email protected] or phone at 720-968-0366.