Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Puerto Rico

Visual arts museums and schools in Puerto Rico can seek funding to implement capital projects that cut emissions through cleaner, more efficient energy use. Grants from Helen Frankenthaler Foundation typically offer up to US $100,000 for holistic, transformative implementation projects, helping cultural institutions advance energy efficiency and climate-focused upgrades to their facilities.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions in Puerto Rico planning energy-efficiency or clean energy assessments can apply for grants up to US $25,000 to scope building upgrades and emissions reductions. Grants from Helen Frankenthaler Foundation help fund independent engineering or sustainability audits and planning documents that identify cost-effective efficiency improvements and pathways to reduced fossil fuel use.

Nonprofit visual arts institutions in Puerto Rico can apply for Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s Frankenthaler Climate Initiative Catalyst Grants to support energy efficiency, clean energy, and other sustainable facility upgrades. Grants up to Up to US $20,000 fund first-step or small-scale projects like LED retrofits, building envelope improvements, feasibility studies, and other carbon-reducing measures in galleries, museums, and arts education spaces.

Organizations scaling ARPA-E–funded energy technologies that originated under a prior ARPA-E award and meet specific patent and reporting requirements can seek $5,000,000 - $20,000,000 to advance high-risk, high-impact R&D. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy help Puerto Rico and other U.S. jurisdictions develop transformative energy efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, and emerging energy technologies.

Low-income households needing energy efficiency and conservation improvements in Puerto Rico can receive free weatherization services to reduce energy use and costs. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy help eligible residents access local providers that assess eligibility, process applications, and coordinate home upgrades for both homeowners and renters, with priority for vulnerable households.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits delivering or supporting skilled trades workforce training, including those serving Puerto Rico, can apply for the Blackrock Foundation’s BlackRock Future Builders grants; awards US $500,000 - US $1,000,000 for worker training or capacity-building. Programs may include pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, navigation services, wraparound supports, or systems-level improvements that can encompass energy-efficient trades.

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 True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations working on energy efficiency, community safety, education, or sustainability can seek limited grant support to advance these programs, including in Puerto Rico. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company funds initiatives that promote safe mobility, STEM education, and environmental and societal needs, and requires applicants to have appropriate charitable or 501(c)(3) status.

Organizations developing industrial thermal or electric energy storage solutions that improve energy efficiency can apply for the Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize, with awards up to US $700,000. With a mission to advance industrial efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy provides U.S. innovators, including those serving Puerto Rico facilities, phased support from design through prototype validation.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, governments, and qualifying community groups working on education, poverty solutions, or environmental programs can apply for Entergy Charitable Foundation’s grants, including projects in Puerto Rico. Funding may support energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmental education, and community resilience efforts; applicants should be located in Entergy’s service areas and follow posted deadline timing.

Nonprofit organizations planning solar energy or energy efficiency projects, including those in Puerto Rico, can seek funding to help switch to clean energy. With a mission to heal the planet, Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits up to US $25,000, prioritizing projects in Communities of Concern, serving youth or schools, and ready for near-term installation.

Nonprofit organizations working on energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, or broader climate and environmental stewardship can apply for Laird Norton Family Foundation’s funding; awards support program work rather than individuals or for-profit ventures. U.S.-based groups, including those in Puerto Rico, may be eligible if their efforts align with the foundation’s climate and watershed priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico working on social services like poverty alleviation, affordable housing, food access, or job training can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation grants of more than US $100,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million and proven, scalable impact may be competitive candidates.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

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 J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in communities served by Nordstrom stores that provide basic needs or economic mobility opportunities for youth and families may be eligible for this U.S. program, with awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Nordstrom help grassroots groups, including those in Puerto Rico, offer food, shelter, clothing, workforce training, mentorship, and scholarships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, science, health, or other charitable fields can seek funding for U.S.-based programs that advance general welfare. Sidney Stern Memorial Trust supports soundly managed organizations with broad impact, and Puerto Rico nonprofits with energy efficiency or conservation initiatives may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on hunger relief, food access, waste reduction, health, youth development, or related community programs in Puerto Rico can request cash, sponsorship, gift card, or product support; awards are from Kroger Foundation. With a mission to transform communities, Kroger Foundation provides nonprofits with funding tied to its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services in communities near TJX locations, including Puerto Rico, may be eligible for this funding. The TJX Foundation supports programs within 15 miles of its stores, distribution centers, or offices that help vulnerable families and children build better futures.