Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

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.

Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program - Illinois

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy announces the availability of funds from the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund (“EE Trust Fund”). The EE Trust Fund was established by 20 ILCS 687/6-6 to benefit residential electric customers through projects reducing energy demand. Illinois EPA Office of Energy is responsible for establishing a list of projects eligible for grants from the EE Trust Fund and an application process with determined criteria for this grant program.

Illinois EPA Office of Energy is offering funding to public housing authorities, units of local government (municipalities, counties or townships), or nonprofit organizations for implementation of energy efficiency improvements benefitting residents participating in federal, state, or local public housing programs, housing choice vouchers, rental assistance, or subsidized housing assistance programs. Funding will be awarded for projects of up to forty (40) dwelling units per location, with costs not to exceed $20,000 per dwelling unit. The proposed improvement projects must include upgrades identified in an energy efficiency assessment conducted by a third-party assessor within the last five (5) years.

Eligible projects may include:

• Building envelope insulation
• Window replacement
• Space heating and cooling equipment retrofit
• Heating and cooling distribution system retrofit
• Domestic hot water equipment
• Lighting upgrades (indoor and/or outdoor)
• High-Efficiency appliance replacement
• Programmable thermostats

Awards will range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. There is a cost share/match requirement for this program.

The Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grant's Community Geothermal Planning and Pilots Phase One Grants aim to accelerate the deployment of community-scale geothermal energy systems. The initiative focuses on reducing carbon pollution by over 15,000 metric tons by 2030 and serving 1,100 households. With funding for planning and design of projects, this program seeks to create replicable and cost-effective geothermal solutions that contribute to significant greenhouse gas reductions, fostering sustainable energy practices in Illinois.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides vital technical and financial assistance to farmers and forest landowners in Illinois. It focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity while preserving natural resources. By facilitating improved water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats, EQIP promotes sustainable practices in farming. Producers can receive support for various initiatives, ensuring that conservation efforts align with agricultural goals. This program is essential for mitigating environmental impacts and fostering sustainable agriculture in the region.

The Illinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrades program, managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers grants for energy-efficient equipment upgrades to qualifying grocery stores. This initiative aims to combat food deserts in Illinois by supporting independently-owned grocers, cooperatives, and not-for-profits, ensuring access to fresh foods while promoting sustainability. Eligible entities must meet specific criteria, including a minimum match requirement for project costs.

The Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - Stretch Code Adoption Grant aims to support local governments in implementing the Illinois Stretch Energy Code. The program provides up to $200,000 for education, community engagement, and technical assistance, facilitating the adoption of the stretch code in 90 municipalities over five years. This initiative seeks to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in both new and existing buildings, ensuring municipalities have the resources needed for successful integration.

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 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 Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program, funded by the Exelon Foundation, aims to support innovative start-ups focused on climate change solutions within Exelon's service territories. With a commitment of $20 million over ten years, the program promotes not only environmental sustainability but also social equality and economic prosperity. Eligible businesses can benefit from substantial equity investments and valuable in-kind services. The initiative seeks to empower diverse leadership teams, particularly those representing women and minorities, to drive impactful change.

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 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, administered by the City of Naperville, Illinois, supports affordable housing, public services, and economic development for low- and moderate-income residents. With a focus on community needs, the program utilizes federal funding to address pressing local challenges. It promotes job creation and offers financial assistance to subrecipients. Annual meetings are held to align funding priorities, ensuring an effective response to community demands and enhancing quality of life for residents.

Peoples Gas offers charitable contributions to support community initiatives in areas like arts, education, health, and the environment. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in the service area, promoting community development and well-being. Funding amounts typically range up to $1,000, with larger grants being rare. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and support diverse projects that foster community engagement and sustainability.

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 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 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 Sustainable Communities Grant, launched by UL Research Institutes and Northwestern's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations, aims to empower organizations in Evanston and Skokie to undertake innovative sustainability projects. This initiative focuses on promoting environmental stewardship through community collaboration, advancing sustainable practices, and encouraging scalable solutions to address local environmental challenges. Eligible projects should involve nonprofit organizations and align with key program objectives such as energy reduction and waste management.

The Strategic Economic Development Program, led by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to enhance electric vehicle component manufacturing. Eligible applicants must have a current agreement with DCEO under the REV Tier 1 program. This grant supports capital improvements for fiscal years 2025-2027, covering up to 50% of expenses. DCEO will reimburse approved costs, ensuring Illinois remains a leader in economic growth and innovation, particularly in the clean energy sector.

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.

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.

The Ecumenical Fund of Grundy County aims to enhance energy efficiency for low-income homes, church buildings, and nonprofit facilities in the community. Operated by the Community Foundation of Grundy County, this initiative invites nonprofits and churches to apply for grants that will contribute to sustainability efforts and improve the quality of life in Grundy County. Applications are due monthly, ensuring timely support for energy improvements.

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.

Peoples Gas Charitable Contributions provide essential support for community development, health services, the arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Targeted at qualified 501(c)(3) organizations within their service area, this funding aims to enhance community well-being and foster collaboration. Grants typically range from $1,000 and above, with a focus on projects that uplift underserved populations and promote sustainability. Organizations dedicated to these causes are encouraged to apply, helping to enrich the lives of those in the community.