Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) empowers Texas farmers and ranchers by providing financial and technical assistance to enhance natural resource conservation. This program addresses critical issues such as soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Eligible participants, including agricultural producers and forest landowners, can access tailored conservation plans and financial support, fostering sustainable agricultural practices while mitigating environmental impacts. EQIP also promotes initiatives like the High Tunnel and Organic initiatives, ensuring comprehensive support for conservation efforts.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the environmental agency for the state. We have approximately 2,800 employees, located in our central office in Austin and 16 regional offices around Texas. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality strives to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Our goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

All-Electric Program

Grants for repowering or replacing eligible vehicles and equipment with all-electric models, along with supporting infrastructure. A program of the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP).

Priority Areas: Dallas-Fort Worth Area; Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Area; San Antonio Area; Austin Area; El Paso County; Bell County; Beaumont-Port Arthur Area

Eligible Project Categories

To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must be replacing or repowering a vehicle or a piece of equipment from one of the categories listed below, and may request additional funding for refueling infrastructure.

• Class 8 Local Freight and Port Drayage Trucks
• Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, & Transit Buses
• Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks
• Airport Ground Support Equipment
• Forklift and Port Cargo Handling Equipment
• Refueling Infrastructure
• Freight Switchers

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative's Catalyst Grant supports organizations in the visual arts sector to take quick, impactful actions toward sustainability. Since 2021, the initiative has awarded over $10 million, fostering a shift to carbon-neutral operations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities that prioritize visual arts, aiming to reduce environmental impact through clean energy, efficiency improvements, and innovative practices. This grant promotes a greener future while enhancing the importance of arts education and ecological stewardship.

The Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy Technologies (Scaleup) Ready initiative by ARPA-E invites applications for funding to advance transformative energy technologies. This program supports innovative projects that demonstrate potential for significant market disruption and emphasizes rigorous project management and technology risk mitigation. Eligible organizations must have inventions conceived during an ARPA-E award, reported in the iEdison system, and hold relevant U.S. patent applications. For further details, visit ARPA-E's website.

Avion Takes Action, a charitable fund by Avion Solutions Inc, empowers community organizations by providing grants to support various quality-of-life initiatives. With a focus on basic needs, education, healthcare, environment, and veterans, the fund has awarded over $250,000 in grants over three years. Eligible non-profits can apply for a minimum of six $5,000 grants every six months, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities where Avion employees live.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative offers implementation grants aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in visual arts museums, addressing climate change through innovative projects. With deadlines extended for those affected by the LA Fires, eligible institutions can apply for funding ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. This initiative supports museums of all sizes, helping them reduce emissions and operational costs while promoting sustainable practices in the arts sector.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative provides funding for energy efficiency projects in visual arts museums, addressing climate change through innovative cultural leadership. Grants up to $25,000 support institutions in evaluating energy mitigation opportunities, enhancing efficiency, and reducing emissions. Eligible applicants include museums and visual arts schools across the U.S. The initiative encourages sustainable practices while assisting organizations in understanding their energy needs and planning for effective interventions within a project timeline of 18 months.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) by the U.S. Department of Energy provides essential services to improve energy efficiency in homes, particularly for low-income households. Eligible participants include those below 200% of the poverty level, renters, and homeowners. The application process involves determining eligibility, identifying local providers, and submitting necessary documentation. By helping families save on energy costs and enhancing comfort, WAP plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable communities.

The Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers $4.8 million to promote innovative thermal energy storage solutions for the industrial sector. With three phases from 2025 to 2026, participants can win cash prizes by developing cost-effective concepts to enhance energy efficiency. This initiative encourages the adoption of sustainable technologies to address energy demands while reducing the strain on the electric grid, supporting the overall decarbonization goals of the industry.

The MathWorks Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations that align with its social mission, focusing on education, community support, green initiatives, and global relief. Grants, ranging from $200 to $5,000, are awarded quarterly to eligible organizations serving local communities. Applicants must demonstrate their programs' alignment with MathWorks goals and provide a summary report post-funding. The program excludes support for religious, political, or fundraising activities, ensuring a focus on charitable endeavors.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The E2 Energy to Educate Grant, offered by Constellation Energy Resources, empowers students from sixth grade to college to tackle current and future energy challenges. With grants up to $50,000, projects can enhance understanding of STEM and energy careers, particularly for underserved communities. Innovation themes include sustainability, nuclear technology, and clean energy solutions, aiming to inspire diverse participation in the energy sector while addressing climate change through advanced technologies.

This Request for Information (RFI) seeks input on the urgent need for gigawatt-scale electricity generation and transmission due to rapid demand growth from data centers and advanced manufacturing. The U.S. electric grid faces significant challenges, including limited capacity and aging infrastructure, which could hinder timely interconnection of new energy sources. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on overcoming regulatory and operational barriers to meet this escalating demand.

About Us

Our team is working tirelessly to heal the planet and ensure that a just and livable future prevails.

With three decades of clean energy industry experience, our leadership team draws upon a long track record of environmental stewardship and meaningful throughput to confidently navigate today's unprecedented challenges.

We are teaming up with local philanthropists, nonprofit organizations, advocates and elected officials to implement effective solutions towards stopping the climate crisis.

Solar Moonshot Program Grant

The Solar Moonshot Program is helping nonprofit organizations across the United States afford the switch to clean energy.

Grants up to $25,000 are typically awarded, with grant amounts dependent on various factors, including the organization’s need for funding. 

In addition to grants given through the program, we also offer short-term, low-interest recoverable grants to help cover the project costs offset by the Investment Tax Credit.

Grants for 2026 are made possible by the BQuest Foundation and two anonymous donors, and the program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. Learn more about the program's status and participants below! 

About BlackRock

We’re a global asset manager and technology provider dedicated to helping more and more people experience financial well-being. We help millions of people invest to build savings that serve them throughout their lives. The BlackRock Foundation which funds and partners with organizations that strengthen financial security for more people,

BlackRock Future Builders

BlackRock Future Builders is a $100 million philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic opportunity and power the next generation of America’s skilled trades workers. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP) process, The Foundation seeks to support U.S. nonprofit organizations (i.e., registered 501(c)3 organizations) delivering or supporting high‑quality skilled trades training.

This competitive grant opportunity operates in parallel to other BlackRock Future Builders partnerships and is intended to surface additional, regionally grounded solutions across the skilled trades ecosystem. Organizations may propose direct worker training programs or capacity‑building efforts that enable systems to function more effectively and at greater scale. This first round RFP will be administered by Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that transforms U.S. education and workforce systems.

Focus Areas and Solutions

Applicants may propose worker training or capacity‑building solutions aligned to skilled trades workforce development.

• Worker training interventions may include direct service proposals such as pre-apprenticeship or career navigation programs, workforce training programs, apprenticeship programs, or wraparound participant supports that are supportive of training persistence and completion.
• Capacity-building interventions are organizational and system-focused, rather than in direct service of participants, and may include, but are not limited to, proposals such as ecosystem-building, demonstration projects, technology or tool adoptions, or research, among others.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The CFTHC Community Impact Fund Grant supports organizations in Bandera and surrounding counties, focusing on Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Environment, and Youth Development. Grants up to $15,000 can be used for general operating or program support. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a minimum of 12 months operating history. The fund prioritizes organizations that promote community welfare and address critical needs such as hunger, education, and environmental stewardship.

The Goodyear Community Support Grant aims to empower nonprofit organizations that align with Goodyear's community engagement focus areas. With a strong commitment to safe, smart, and sustainable initiatives, Goodyear supports programs fostering safe mobility, inspiring students through education, and addressing environmental and societal needs. This grant serves as a catalyst for positive change, helping communities thrive by focusing on volunteerism and impactful partnerships.

The Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP), managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, aims to support the transition from diesel or gasoline vehicles to natural gas-powered vehicles. This program facilitates the replacement or repowering of heavy-duty and medium-duty vehicles with compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Eligible applicants can include up to 10 vehicles per application, promoting cleaner transportation options.

The Texas Hydrogen Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Equipment Grant Program (THIVE) promotes the adoption of hydrogen technology by providing funding for projects aimed at reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in nonattainment areas. Eligible projects include the development of hydrogen infrastructure and the purchase or conversion of vehicles and equipment to hydrogen power. This initiative supports a cleaner environment and advances the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source in Texas.

The LCRA Community Grants program supports local communities with financial assistance of up to $50,000 for capital improvement projects aimed at enhancing community assets. Established in 1995, it prioritizes projects that benefit the broader community, particularly in economically challenged areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments located within LCRA's service area. Noteworthy projects may qualify for additional funding, emphasizing wildfire response and energy conservation.

This grants program is to implement a portion of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), established in Chapter 386, Subchapter C of the Texas Health and Safety Code. 

The TCEQ has also adopted rules to implement this program under 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 114, Subchapter K. The TCEQ has adopted the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan: Guidelines for Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants, RG-388 (guidelines), which contain the more specific standards governing this program.

The goals of the TERP are to:

• assure that air in this state is safe to breathe and meets minimum federal standards established under the Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7407); 
• develop multi-pollutant approaches to solving the state’s environmental problems;
• adequately fund research and development that will make the state a leader in new technologies that can solve the state’s environmental problems while creating new business and industry in the state. 

To implement the TERP, the ERIG Program will provide grants for eligible activities to offset the incremental costs of projects that reduce emissions of NOX from high-emitting internal combustion engines in eligible areas.

RIG Project Categories for Eligible Vehicles and Equipment

Projects eligible for funding under this program are intended to reduce NOx emissions in eligible counties. The TCEQ may more narrowly define or limit the types of project categories for a particular funding period.

The types of project categories eligible under the FY17 ERIG funding period include:

• New Purchase or Lease:
• To be eligible for funding, the engine on the new vehicle or piece of equipment must be certified to emit at least 25% less NOx than required under the current standard.
• Certified means approved by EPA, the CARB, or otherwise accepted by the TCEQ.
• Replacement:
• The replacement of an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment with a newer vehicle or piece of equipment.
• Repower:
• The replacement (repower) of an existing engine in an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment with a new, rebuilt, or remanufactured engine.
• The new engine must be certified to emit 25% less NOx than the engine being replaced.
• Certified means approved by the EPA, the CARB, or otherwise accepted by the TCEQ.
• Retrofit or Add-On of Emission-Reduction Technology:
• The retrofit or add-on of emission-reduction technology to an existing engine in an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment.
• Except for retrofits with certain dual-fuel conversion systems, the vehicle or equipment must be currently owned by the applicant and the retrofit or add-on systems must be certified or verified to emit at least 25% less NOx than the engine prior to the retrofit.

Other ERIG Project Categories

• On-Vehicle Electrification and Idle Reduction Infrastructure:
• The purchase and installation of equipment that enables a vehicle or equipment to use electric power to operate, while the vehicle or equipment is parked, the systems normally supplied power by the propulsion engine or another on-board internal combustion engine that emits NOx.
• On-Site Electrification and Idle Reduction Infrastructure
• Use of Qualifying Fuel
• Rail Relocation and Improvement:
• The relocation of rail lines to reduce the number of grade crossings, improvements at rail intersections, and other improvements that will directly result in the reduction of locomotive and/or vehicle engine idling at rail intersections.
• Eligible rail intersections may include the intersection of two rail lines or an intersection of a highway or roadway and a rail line, commonly referred to as a highway-rail grade crossing.
• The grant recipient must own or otherwise control the rail line, right-of-way, or the facility being improved.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.