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Search Through Renewable Energy Grants in California

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The GFO-22-903 program by the California Energy Commission offers up to $20 million for cost-share grants aimed at advancing hydrogen projects. Funded projects should focus on producing, processing, delivering, or using hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources. This initiative aligns with California's climate goals, emphasizing benefits in air quality, equity, and workforce development, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Eligible projects are encouraged to maximize their impact across geographically diverse areas of the state.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation offers Environmental Education Grants aimed at supporting organizations that foster community involvement through creative, solution-based approaches to environmental challenges. Founded by musician Jack Johnson, the foundation focuses on enhancing youth engagement in projects that yield measurable benefits for the environment. With grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, the foundation prioritizes local initiatives and innovative nonprofits, particularly in California, Hawaii, and Australia.

The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation Environment Grant aims to support initiatives that combat climate change, prioritizing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and enhance climate education for young adults. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions and partnerships to address both immediate and long-term environmental challenges. Areas of focus include climate and clean energy policy, as well as providing scientifically accurate climate change education. By leveraging data and research, the foundation seeks to empower organizations dedicated to creating impactful change.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Foxwynd Foundation Grant supports projects that enhance human dignity, focusing on healthcare, environmental initiatives, and housing. With a commitment to domestic causes, the foundation aims to expand its reach internationally by 2024. Grants are invitation-only, with a matching requirement for organizations earning over $1 million. Priorities include funding established programs that tackle homelessness and support domestic violence victims. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations capable of leveraging its support effectively.

The Sales Tax Exclusion (STE) Program, managed by the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA), provides significant tax incentives for manufacturers in California who invest in equipment aimed at promoting alternative energy, advanced transportation, and recycling. This program not only supports the economy by creating high-paying jobs but also encourages sustainable practices in manufacturing. With a funding cap of $110 million annually, eligible applicants can receive up to $20 million for their projects.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) aims to protect California's agricultural lands from conversion to GHG-intensive uses while supporting climate goals. Through strategic investments, SALC enhances food security and promotes resilient agricultural systems. This program is part of California Climate Investments, which funds initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit disadvantaged communities. Grants are available for agricultural conservation acquisitions, planning, and capacity funding to ensure the preservation of vital agricultural resources.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

California Energy Commission

As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century. CEC is helping create the energy system of California’s future through activities such as Planning and Policy Development, Renewable Energy Growth; Energy Efficiency; Energy Innovation; Cleaner Transportation; and Responsible Electricity Infrastructure.

Solar PV Located in Non-traditional Terrain (SPLINT)

Purpose

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research and development projects that support the Electric Program Investment Charge 2021 – 2025 (EPIC 4) Investment Plan Topic 3 “Emerging Solar Energy Technologies.” Projects resulting from this solicitation will accelerate advancements in renewable generation technologies and demonstrate cost reductions and increased energy output for utility-scale solar installations (>5 megawatt alternative current (MWAC)) paired with battery energy storage systems (~4 hr) in non-traditional locations. Funded projects must identify and enhance additional benefits for local communities and ecosystems to reduce barriers to and streamline solar photo-voltaic (PV) and storage installations and help reduce environmental impacts.

Projects must fall within one of the following project groups:

• Group 1: Optimization of Non-Traditional PV Solar;
• Group 2: Data Collection and Processing for Site Assessment and Permitting; and
• Group 3: Solar PV Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Optimization

Match Funding Requirement

Applications for all groups must include a minimum 20 percent total match share percentage for this solicitation. 

The GFO-24-312 solicitation by the California Energy Commission aims to accelerate advanced grid technology projects, enhancing the electricity sector's capacity, reliability, and resilience. With a budget of $24 million, projects must demonstrate technologies at a readiness level of 7 to 9, focusing on innovative applications that optimize grid performance. Key areas of interest include distributed energy resource management systems and microgrids, which can significantly contribute to California's goals for clean energy and climate resilience.

The GFO-23-307 grant by the California Energy Commission aims to foster large-scale centralized clean hydrogen production to combat climate change. It supports projects that demonstrate innovative hydrogen technologies, enhancing production, storage, and delivery while reducing costs. The initiative focuses on deploying clean hydrogen in sectors like transportation and industry, ensuring environmental benefits and compliance with renewable energy standards. By leveraging economies of scale, this program aspires to create a sustainable hydrogen value chain in California.

The EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles project, funded by the California Energy Commission, offers incentives for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in California. The Transit Set-Aside funding lane specifically supports electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling stations for zero-emission transit buses. With $8 million available, it can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, providing a maximum award of $5 million per project for qualifying applicants. This initiative aims to enhance California's clean energy transition.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The California Energy Commission's GFO-25-302 initiative, known as CHOIR, aims to advance virtual power plants that effectively coordinate inverter-based resources like solar, batteries, and electric vehicles. This program is crucial for enhancing power quality, mitigating grid congestion, and promoting clean energy within disadvantaged communities in California. By fostering innovation in energy management, CHOIR supports the state's transition to a sustainable energy future, aligning with goals for carbon neutrality and energy efficiency.

The GFO-25-901 program, administered by the California Energy Commission, aims to enhance the workforce for residential building electrification and efficiency training. This initiative supports long-term market transformation by funding contractor training projects, which ultimately reduce training costs and provide necessary certifications. As California transitions to 100% clean energy, such efforts are vital for combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable energy future.

The GFO-23-318 – BRIDGE 2024 initiative aims to accelerate clean energy innovation in California by funding Applied Research and Development (AR&D) and Technology Demonstration and Deployment (TD&D) projects. With over $25 million available, this program supports promising technologies that have received prior funding from the California Energy Commission or eligible federal agencies. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurship by providing non-dilutive investments to early-stage clean energy companies, fostering market adoption of efficient energy solutions.

The BEAM Circular Accelerator Grant supports innovative startups in biomanufacturing and circular bioeconomy solutions in California's North San Joaquin Valley. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers capital, coaching, and connections to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses and create jobs. It aims to enhance the region's economy by investing in companies that develop valuable products from renewable organic materials, contributing to a thriving bioeconomy ecosystem.

California Energy Commission

As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century. CEC is helping create the energy system of California’s future through activities such as Planning and Policy Development, Renewable Energy Growth; Energy Efficiency; Energy Innovation; Cleaner Transportation; and Responsible Electricity Infrastructure.

California’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program – Solicitation 3

Purpose of Solicitation

This is a competitive grant solicitation. The California Energy Commission (CEC) announces the availability of up to $79,000,000 in grant funds for projects that will strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with publicly accessible, high-powered, direct current fast chargers (DCFCs) to support lightduty EV travel along major corridors as required under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program.

The California Sea Grant College Program invites proposals for applied research projects aligned with its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (SFA) and Resilient Communities and Economies (RCE). With a funding pool of $2.8 million, the program aims to enhance California's coastal resilience and sustainability. Projects should exhibit significant benefits to coastal communities while addressing challenges like climate change and economic disruptions. Eligible applicants include public agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations.