Colorado Energy Grants

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 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.

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 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.

The Colorado Energy Office, in partnership with the Community Access Enterprise, is offering grants of up to $1.5 million for community-led electric mobility programs, covering costs such as electric vehicles, e-bikes, charging infrastructure, and operational costs, with eligible applicants including local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions.

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 $2 million in funding to support the development of geothermal energy systems for various entities in Colorado, prioritizing projects that benefit low-income and underserved communities.

This program provides financial support to rural and high-risk communities in Colorado for planning and building microgrids that enhance resilience against electric grid disruptions, prioritizing projects that utilize non-fossil fuel sources and serve essential community institutions.

This program provides funding to organizations in Colorado for transitioning their vehicle fleets to low- and zero-emission alternatives, supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health.

This grant provides funding for projects that combine solar energy production with agricultural practices, specifically targeting farmers and organizations in southeastern and southwestern Colorado.

This program provides funding to local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in Colorado to create electric bicycle initiatives for individuals earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income, focusing on improving transportation access and reducing emissions in underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Pueblo County, Colorado, focused on improving the well-being of children, youth, and families through initiatives addressing basic needs, mental health, and economic stability.

This program provides funding to industrial and manufacturing companies, local governments, and public-private partnerships in Colorado to help reduce air pollution by supporting the purchase and installation of emission reduction equipment.

This grant provides funding to support the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for fleet operators in Colorado, particularly benefiting businesses and organizations that are disadvantaged or minority-owned.

This program provides funding to public transit agencies in Colorado to offer free rides, especially during the summer months when ground-level ozone levels are high, promoting cleaner air and equitable transportation access for vulnerable communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for businesses, government entities, and nonprofits to establish high-speed electric vehicle charging stations in underserved areas of Colorado, promoting accessibility and advancing clean energy goals.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Denver that promote and enhance the performing arts, fostering cultural and artistic contributions to the community.

This program provides financial support to public institutions in Colorado for upgrading their buildings to energy-efficient electric systems, particularly in communities that are disproportionately impacted or low-income.