Best Renewable Energy Grants in Colorado

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 Carbon Offset Projects Grant, offered by the Colorado Carbon Fund, aims to reduce carbon emissions through local projects in Colorado. The fund supports initiatives registered with verified carbon standards and prioritizes projects like soil carbon sequestration and methane capture. By fostering collaboration among local businesses and communities, the grant helps ensure sustainable practices that contribute to climate change mitigation while keeping capital within the state.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Restore Grant, funded by Zero Foodprint and supported by the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, aims to sequester atmospheric carbon through improved soil health. By incentivizing regenerative agricultural practices, the program promotes climate resilience and enhances nutrient density in food systems. It facilitates equitable funding distribution while engaging the public in climate action. Through competitive grants, it empowers farmers and ranchers to adopt sustainable practices, thereby contributing to regional food security and environmental benefits.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

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 CREST program by the NSF aims to bolster research capabilities at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) through education and research integration. It specifically supports STEM doctoral programs and encourages proposals in high-priority areas such as AI and climate change. By enhancing the institutional capacity, the program seeks to increase the number of underrepresented doctoral graduates in STEM fields, thereby fostering diversity and innovation in scientific research.

The Edison Scholars Program, sponsored by Edison International, offers $12,500 annually to thirty high school seniors pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and reside in Southern California Edison’s service territory. Scholars also gain access to a paid summer internship after their first year. Eligible majors include engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences, fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium and NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center invite proposals to explore the interactions between fishing communities and offshore wind development in the U.S. Northeast. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of community resilience and economies, while fostering collaborative research that informs decision-making. Proposals should utilize qualitative and quantitative methods and involve at least one Co-PI from the six states of the NESGC, with a requirement for a 25% non-federal match.

The AUKUS Scholarship, part of the Graduate Education Fund, supports American and Australian graduate students in security, technology, and diplomacy fields. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents, with an offer from an accredited institution. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for Australia to USA and in September for USA to Australia. This initiative strengthens ties and promotes research in critical areas.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, honors a graduate student dedicated to advancing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, and public health. Established in 2020 by the American Water Works Association, this $3,000 scholarship aims to support innovative research that addresses pressing challenges in the water industry. By investing in future leaders, AWWA reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable water for all.

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.

The Capacity Accelerator for Tribal Offshore Wind Engagement, launched by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to empower Tribal Nations in offshore wind energy decision-making. This initiative offers up to $7.1 million in cash prizes and technical assistance through three phases: Capacity Needs, Capacity Development, and Engagement. Each phase is designed to support Tribes in outlining their priorities, building capacity, and implementing impactful projects in offshore wind energy.

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 Park Foundation Grants for the Environment focus on ensuring clean and accessible drinking water while opposing shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion. They fund diverse initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and policies, particularly within New York State. The Foundation supports advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts that align with their mission to foster a just and sustainable environment, empowering communities to protect their natural resources.

BMO Gives is committed to fostering positive societal impact through community support and charitable initiatives. It focuses on enhancing community and economic resilience, as well as environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or non-profits operating in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO's corporate values, which promote inclusivity and non-discrimination. The program aims to support projects that address significant societal needs and empower local communities.

The Moniker Foundation's Southwest Region Grant offers $10,000 grants and $1,000 participation grants to eligible organizations in a competitive process. Applicants must operate within designated counties and be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. The program emphasizes early childhood education, youth programming, food security, and environmental initiatives, with an in-person Pitch Day required for selected applicants. Organizations are encouraged to focus on critical operating activities during the application process.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Community Grants Program (CGP) by The Denver Foundation supports nonprofits in the Metro Denver area, focusing on economic opportunity, environment, housing, and youth well-being. This program aims to reduce disparities through community leadership and racial equity, assisting historically oppressed groups. Eligible organizations must align with the foundation's values, be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and address the outlined goals. The CGP prioritizes initiatives that foster community wealth and address urgent needs in low-income communities.

The AES Hawaiʻi Foundation Grant supports communities near AES Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy projects, focusing on social justice, education, environmental stewardship, and community health. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in these areas, but statewide entities may also apply. Successful projects should align with the Foundation’s impact pillars, demonstrate measurable community benefits, and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term positive effects on the local community.

About All Points North Foundation

All Points North Foundation is dedicated to navigating communities upward.

All Points North Foundation was founded in 2011 by a family who believes passionately that everyone has a “true North” – a place of achievement – and that everyone should have equal opportunity and access to realize their goals.

Our Vision

We envision a nation where the middle school years are seen as an important, vital time in the lives of youth, and where the public middle school education experience in underserved communities measurably improves

We also envision a nation where the integration of solar benefits families, local economies and the environment.

Our Priorities

All Points North Foundation funds grantees in two areas – public middle school education (grades 6-8) and solar – that have the power to help communities nationwide navigate upward.

Grant Making

All Points North Foundation seeks collaborative partnerships with grantees in our two priority areas.

Solar Energy

All Points North Foundation is focused on finding ways to significantly advance the penetration of solar through education, job training and use of solar electric technologies in the United States.

All Points North Foundation has three priority areas:

Providing solar and workforce development training for Tribal communities to expand and diversify the solar job pipeline.

Working with small- to medium-sized science centers to engage students, families and local communities on the benefits and science behind solar.

Providing solar installations to nonprofit organizations that build high-quality, safe and affordable residential housing, offsetting energy costs and enabling cost savings for households.

The cost of solar has dropped dramatically over the last decade, however the upfront cost of going solar remains a hurdle for most families, communities and nonprofits.

All Points North Foundation does consider funding solar projects outside of these focal areas, but the programs must demonstrate how solar will have a broader impact on local communities (e.g., economic, social or environmental), as well as showcase the potential for replication across the nation.

The USDA's Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Capacity Applications (TCEP-CA) aims to support community-based projects that enhance agriculture, youth development, economic growth, and healthy lifestyles among Tribal communities. This new funding cycle, managed by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), emphasizes merit and efficiency, encouraging applicants to engage actively with local farmers and ranchers to ensure relevant and impactful initiatives.

The Sun Grant Program, supported by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance national energy security and promote economic growth in rural areas through biobased energy technologies. It focuses on developing diverse agricultural systems and improving coordination in bioenergy research. This initiative is designed to foster innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector while addressing energy needs, making significant contributions to rural development and energy efficiency.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program, managed by the Environmental Leadership Program, aims to foster conservation and clean energy careers for emerging leaders of color. This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Ideal candidates are those with a passion for social and environmental justice, who identify as part of historically marginalized groups, and are committed to community engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector.