Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER) supports Massachusetts farms in enhancing energy efficiency and adopting alternative energy solutions. This competitive grant aims to promote sustainability within agricultural operations, ensuring that farms can maximize both environmental and economic benefits. Applicants must be engaged in commercial agriculture, with property actively used for at least three years. For further details and applications, refer to the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

The DOER Public Entity Decarbonization Grant Program aims to support Massachusetts state entities in transitioning from fossil-fuel systems to efficient electric solutions. With up to $2,450,000 available, the program encourages projects that enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while leveraging other funding sources. Priority may be given to projects in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Commonwealth.

The Climate Service Corps Grant, offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), aims to support organizations that provide training and career opportunities in energy efficiency and clean heating for youth ages 18-24, particularly from underserved communities. This grant offers funding of up to $375,000 over two years for implementation and planning of workforce development programs, promoting the growth of the clean energy sector and advancing Massachusetts' climate goals.

Under the leadership of MassDEP, the Clean Energy Results Program is an integrated energy and environmental partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (“DOER”) and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center  that reduces regulatory or other barriers to clean and energy efficient project development across the state. A cornerstone of this partnership has been the development of a streamlined "Gap" Energy Grant funding model that has helped municipal water utilities reduce their energy usage, operating costs, and improve the environment. This grant program “fills the funding gap” by leveraging incentives from energy utilities and other funding sources to jump-start energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects.

Program background

MassCEC seeks qualified vendors to provide technical services under the Green School Works Technical Assistance program for eligible public K-12 schools and districts looking to begin or supplement their decarbonization planning.

These services will reduce the cost of technical assistance for eligible, low-income public K-12 schools and districts with the goal of making decarbonization planning more accessible. Available Mass Save Scopes

• Comprehensive Building Assessment
• Portfolio Decarbonization Roadmap
• Focused Study

Available Green School Works Scopes

• Renewables (Solar plus storage and MA Class I REC Analysis)
• New! - Ground Source Heat Pump Feasibility

The Barr Foundation's Climate Grants program is committed to addressing climate change through equitable solutions that prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustices. With a focus on clean energy, mobility, and resilience, the program aims to foster an inclusive movement that supports diverse voices and builds capacity among organizations led by people of color. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for climate impacts.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts.

Our Mission

MassCEC's mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climatetech innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, while advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader and growing the state’s clean energy economy.

On-Street Charging Solutions Program

The Challenge: Increase On-Street Charging Opportunities

Access to charging is a significant barrier to electric vehicle (EV) adoption for renters and residents without private parking. On-street charging, including curbside, pole-mounted, and streetlight charging stations, is appealing for municipalities looking to ensure all residents, especially those living in Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs), have access to sufficient charging options. However, to install on-street charging stations, municipalities face high upfront costs and complex technical issues.

About On-Street Charging Solutions

Through MassCEC's consultant/vendor team, led by Commonwealth Electrical Technologies and supported by Leidos, On-Street Charging Solutions provides technical and financial assistance to municipalities interested in on-street charging. The program prioritizes municipalities with high percentages of EJCs.

• 15 municipalities will receive EV charging stations at no cost, including the installation of On-Street Charging EV Service Equipment (EVSE) at up to three sites, with 4-10 "Level 2" charging ports per site.

• 25 municipalities that are not yet ready for installation will receive no-cost EV charging feasibility studies and planning support.

Participant Benefits

Selected municipalities will receive services through one of two pathways:

• Feasibility Studies and Planning Support: The consultant team will provide feasibility studies and planning support for up to 25 municipalities. At a minimum, the feasibility studies will recommend specific on-street charging technologies and locations, identify key stakeholders, propose a project timeline, and estimate total project costs. Awardees will receive feasibility and planning services only, and will not receive funding for implementation.

• Project Implementation: The consultant team will provide both implementation and associated technical assistance for on-street charging projects for up to 15 municipalities. Funding for these projects will cover the installation of On-Street Charging EV Service Equipment (EVSE) at up to three sites, with 4-10 Level 2 charging ports per site. Awardees will receive project implementation services only, and will not receive funding for feasibility studies.

How to Participate

Interested municipalities can submit an application for either the Feasibility Study and Planning Support pathway OR the Project Implementation pathway.  

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

MassDEP Commercial Refrigeration Grant

This program provides financial incentives for retail food businesses, food banks, and nonprofit organizations to install more climate-friendly commercial refrigeration equipment.

Through its Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, MassDEP is providing financial incentives for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state.

MassDEP will pay your grant funds on a reimbursement basis after you submit invoices and required documentation.

Eligible Projects

Program funding to support projects for ultra-low-GWP systems is available for new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions in Massachusetts that plan to install refrigeration systems that contain ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerants. Eligible costs for ultra-low-GWP systems include the cost of the refrigeration equipment and its installation.

Eligible Project Types: Type I – New Facilities; Type II – Existing Facilities

Type I – New Facilities

Installation of ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerant systems

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

MassDEP Commercial Refrigeration Grant

This program provides financial incentives for retail food businesses, food banks, and nonprofit organizations to install more climate-friendly commercial refrigeration equipment.

Through its Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, MassDEP is providing financial incentives for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state.

MassDEP will pay your grant funds on a reimbursement basis after you submit invoices and required documentation.

Eligible Projects

Program funding to support projects for ultra-low-GWP systems is available for new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions in Massachusetts that plan to install refrigeration systems that contain ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerants. Eligible costs for ultra-low-GWP systems include the cost of the refrigeration equipment and its installation.

Eligible Project Types: Type I – New Facilities; Type II – Existing Facilities

Type II – Existing Facilities

Installation of ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerant systems

• Full system conversion
• Partial system conversion

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Grants: Climate Leader Communities Decarbonization Technical Support 

The Climate Leader Communities Decarbonization Technical Support (Program) is designed to assist certified Massachusetts’ Climate Leader Communities by offering funding for technical support that generates both recommendations and engineering design documents to implement projects that align with the applicant's Climate Leader Communities Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap.

Applications will be accepted for technical support in both new and existing facilities that have been identified in the municipality’s Climate Leader Community municipal operations decarbonization roadmap as approved by the DOER. 

The applicant must be an existing, certified Climate Leader Community to apply for this grant award. One award per community will be made via this PON.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Grants: Climate Leader Communities Decarbonization Accelerator Grant Program 

The Climate Leader Communities Decarbonization Accelerator Grant provides funding to certified Massachusetts Climate Leader Communities for projects that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations. Eligible projects must align with the community's Climate Leader Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap and prioritize reducing fossil fuel combustion, energy use, and costs. Potential funding areas include renewable energy projects such as solar and heat pumps, energy storage, and other projects that support decarbonization efforts. DOER anticipates supporting decarbonization projects under this PON that cannot be fully funded through other sources. 

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.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Grants: DOER Regional School District Decarbonization Grant Program

The DOER Regional School District (RSD) Decarbonization Grant Program (Program) aims to assist RSDs in their transition from fossil fuel equipment to efficient electric alternatives at existing facilities. The grant Program focuses on the preemptive avoidance of in-kind replacement of fossil fuel-based systems and equipment by providing the necessary funding to deploy efficient electrified solutions. This includes but is not limited to financial support for the deployment of renewable thermal technologies for space conditioning, efficient electric water heating, battery-powered facilities maintenance equipment (BPFME), and electric commercial kitchen equipment, where that equipment is replacing a gas-powered alternative.

There are four primary categories for electrification funding under this Program: space heating, water heating, battery-powered facilities maintenance equipment, and commercial kitchen equipment.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Grants: Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) Grant

Program Opportunity Notice Funding Objectives

The Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) grant provides funding for municipalities, regional school districts, and water/wastewater districts to retain independent third parties for technical services, like the study, negotiation, development, and/or management of clean energy projects.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Competitive Grant Program

Bi-annual funding for designated Green Communities in good standing. Applicants must complete the Annual Report and close prior grants with final reports and site inspections before applying. Supports energy‑saving municipal projects under the Green Communities Program.

Three Pathways

This Program Opportunity Notice (PON) is offering funding through three pathways: Prescriptive Measures, Traditional Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and Building Decarbonization; which are further defined in subsequent sections.

Eligible Green Communities may submit a grant application to fund all, or a portion, of the costs of constructing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Prescriptive Measures

Prescriptive measures are fixed grants awarded per unit. Please use the savings methodology noted under each measure to calculate the energy savings on the grant table. DOER is offering prescriptive grants for the following project types: a) Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs); b) Walk-in Refrigeration Controls; c) Door and Window Weather-Stripping; d) Window Replacements; e) Workforce Development; f) Light-duty Hybrid (HEVs) or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs); g) Light-duty Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs); h) Medium- or Heavy-duty BEVs; i) Electric Vehicle Charging Stations;  j) Battery-powered Lawn Care & Landscaping Equipment; k) LED Lighting; l) LED Streetlights.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Competitive Grant Program

Bi-annual funding for designated Green Communities in good standing. Applicants must complete the Annual Report and close prior grants with final reports and site inspections before applying. Supports energy‑saving municipal projects under the Green Communities Program.

Three Pathways

This Program Opportunity Notice (PON) is offering funding through three pathways: Prescriptive Measures, Traditional Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and Building Decarbonization; which are further defined in subsequent sections.

Eligible Green Communities may submit a grant application to fund all, or a portion, of the costs of constructing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Traditional Energy Conservation Measures

Energy Conservation Measures (ECMS) in Existing Buildings

Eligible Green Communities can apply for one or more ECMs for buildings included in their Baseline and Energy Reduction Plan. ECMs that are commonly applied for in Green Community Competitive Grants:  a) Building Envelope Improvements; b) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Equipment; c) Water Heaters; d) Building Controls Systems; e) Retro-commissioning; f) Pumps, Motors, and Drives; g) Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); h) Repairs to Existing Renewable Energy Systems; i) Commercial Refrigeration; j) Other Energy Efficiency Projects

Please check with your DOER Green Communities Regional Coordinator for questions on the project categories.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Competitive Grant Program

Bi-annual funding for designated Green Communities in good standing. Applicants must complete the Annual Report and close prior grants with final reports and site inspections before applying. Supports energy‑saving municipal projects under the Green Communities Program.

Three Pathways

This Program Opportunity Notice (PON) is offering funding through three pathways: Prescriptive Measures, Traditional Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and Building Decarbonization; which are further defined in subsequent sections.

Eligible Green Communities may submit a grant application to fund all, or a portion, of the costs of constructing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Building Decarbonization Projects

Applications will be accepted from municipalities seeking funding for comprehensive building decarbonization projects that extend beyond the typical grant in implementation time and cost and are ready for immediate implementation.

Full fossil-fuel replacement projects are prioritized. Other system types will only be considered when accompanied by a clear justification. Municipalities considering applying for building decarbonization projects are highly encouraged to contact their Green Communities Regional Coordinator to discuss potential proposals with DOER staff. 

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 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.

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 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.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Worcester County Weatherization Assistance Grant Program

National Grid has partnered with Greater Worcester Community Foundation – through our Worcester County Green Fund – to support nonprofit organizations that help households reduce their winter and year-round energy costs. As a Sponsor of the Mass Save Programs, National Grid offers qualifying income-eligible households a variety of no-cost upgrades, including comprehensive home energy assessments, insulation and air-sealing upgrades. For residents living in single family (1-4 unit) homes:

• Low-income customers are defined as those earning up to 60% of state median income (“SMI”)
• Moderate-income customers are defined as those earning 61% SMI up to either 80% area median income (“AMI”) or 80% SMI (whichever is greater)

This funding is available to Worcester County nonprofit organizations that already do this type of home energy improvement work themselves, or sub-contract vendors to do this type of work as part of their existing service mix. The goal of this funding is to supplement existing National Grid programs and enable weatherization assistance.

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Frankenthaler Climate Initiative

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI) is a pioneering grantmaking program established by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Since its inception in 2021, FCI has distinguished itself as the foremost private national initiative in the United States dedicated to combating climate change specifically within the visual arts sector.

FCI provides visual arts institutions with up to $100,000 to undertake ambitious sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives that directly address carbon reduction and energy efficiency. The scope of its support is broad, encompassing everything from modest, rapid-response projects to comprehensive efficiency audits and feasibility studies, and extending to financial contributions for significant infrastructural renovations and strategic planning for new buildings and major initiatives.

Building on the core values of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, the initiative aligns a commitment to environmental stewardship with a belief in the vital importance of the visual arts and arts education. Through strategic funding and partnerships focused on tangible infrastructure, FCI aims to catalyze a sector-wide shift toward zero carbon operations, promoting a future where the visual arts thrive—while contributing to a more sustainable and ecologically conscious world.

Who We Fund

FCI funds nonprofit institutions in the United States and its territories whose primary focus rests in the visual arts. The visual arts includes but is not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and installations in clay, glass, metal, wood, fiber, paper, film, and mixed media.

Most of our grantees are art museums, nonprofit galleries, archives, noncollecting institutions, art schools, university museums, and artist-endowed foundations.

What We Fund

FCI funds energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects.

FCI meets arts institutions at every stage of the work, through four kinds of grants:

• Catalyst — first actions and stand-alone projects with a quick turnaround
• Scoping — energy audits and assessments that establish a baseline
• Technical Assistance — detailed planning for technically demanding projects
• Implementation — comprehensive capital work addressing a building's environmental impact at multiple levels

Technical Assistance Grants

Technical Assistance grants support projects that have finished initial assessments, and need procurement and financing support for an identified efficiency project. This may include providing designs, specifications, or fees for working with energy services companies (ESCOs) for project support. These grants also support more complex studies or analysis required for pursuing major implementation projects. At the conclusion of a Technical Assistance grant, the applicant should be sufficiently informed to implement a project.

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.

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! 

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 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.