Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Utah

Nonprofits and First Nations working on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and building improvements in Utah and other eligible regions can apply for Columbia Basin Trust’s Non-profit SMART Grants Stream Two, with awards up to US $150,000. Funding supports solar PV arrays, energy efficiency retrofits, and other building upgrades that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost climate resilience.

Utah energy efficiency and conservation nonprofits and First Nations in the Columbia River Basin can access funding to buy one new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle and up to two charging stations. Columbia Basin Trust’s Non-profit SMART Grants: Stream One supports projects that increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help communities adapt to climate change.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Utah can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve energy efficiency, water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat on working lands. With a mission to support sustainable agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides support for cropland, rangeland, pasture, and non-industrial private forestland projects.

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.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering skilled trades training or related capacity-building, including those serving Utah and working on energy efficiency and conservation, can apply for the Blackrock Foundation’s Future Builders grants, awarding US $500,000 - US $1,000,000. Funding supports pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, workforce programs, wraparound supports, and systems-level workforce development efforts.

Nonprofit organizations planning solar energy or energy efficiency projects in Utah and nationwide can seek funding for switching to clean energy. With a mission to heal the planet, Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation provides support so nonprofits can install solar, with grants up to Up to US $25,000 and priority for projects in Communities of Concern, youth, and schools.

Nonprofits, research teams, and other organizations developing industrial energy storage solutions that improve energy efficiency can compete in this multi-phase national prize, including applicants from Utah. With a mission to advance industrial decarbonization, the U.S. Department of Energy provides support for innovative thermal and electric storage concepts, with awards up to US $700,000.

Low-income households needing home energy-efficiency improvements in Utah and nationwide can access free weatherization services, including for both homeowners and renters. Grants from U.S. Department of Energy help energy efficiency and conservation efforts by funding local weatherization providers; eligible applicants must apply through their state or tribal weatherization agency and meet income-based guidelines and priorities.

Organizations holding ARPA-E subject inventions for advanced energy technologies can seek $5,000,000 - $20,000,000 to scale their patented innovations, including energy efficiency solutions. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy help Utah and other U.S. entities move ARPA-E–developed technologies from early-stage R&D toward commercial deployment and market disruption.

Nonprofit visual arts institutions in Utah and across the U.S. can receive up to US $20,000 for energy efficiency, clean energy, and sustainability projects that reduce their environmental impact. Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s Frankenthaler Climate Initiative Catalyst Grants support first-step or small-scale upgrades like LED lighting, building envelope improvements, audits, and other climate-focused facility or exhibition changes.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions in Utah can apply for implementation funding to carry out capital projects that cut building energy use and emissions. Grants from Helen Frankenthaler Foundation help U.S. visual arts-focused institutions, including museums and art schools, undertake holistic energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades, with awards up to US $100,000.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions in Utah and across the U.S. can receive up to US $25,000 to scope energy efficiency and clean energy opportunities in their facilities. Grants from Helen Frankenthaler Foundation help fund professional assessments and planning for building upgrades that reduce emissions, lower energy use, and support long-term sustainability projects.

Nonprofit organizations working on energy efficiency and conservation, climate change, or watershed stewardship in the U.S., including Utah, can apply for Laird Norton Family Foundation’s funding; awards support programmatic work rather than individuals or capital projects. Organizations focused on environmental stewardship or related youth and arts in education initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit and community organizations running energy efficiency or environmental sustainability projects in Utah, especially near Stantec offices, can seek support for community initiatives or events. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, Stantec invites applications for programs promoting energy efficiency, sustainable development, air quality, and climate change resilience.

Nonprofits, public education institutions, government entities, and qualified Canadian charities working on energy efficiency and conservation in Weyerhaeuser communities, including Utah, can seek support for local projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides flexible funding across focus areas like environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and workforce development where it operates; typical awards are more than US $1,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited schools working on energy efficiency and conservation, STEM education, sustainability, workforce development, or affordable housing in Utah counties where Saint-Gobain operates may be eligible for this funding. The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation favors long-term partnerships that combine grants with employee expertise and volunteer support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, youth groups, and some government entities in Utah can seek funding for energy efficiency education, electrical safety, STEM initiatives, workforce development, and youth development projects. PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation offers Education/STEM grants up to US $10,000 in communities within its Utah service area.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, governments, and qualifying community groups working on energy efficiency and conservation projects can apply for Entergy Charitable Foundation’s national grants, including Utah. Funding supports environmental programs such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental education, and may benefit Utah nonprofits focused on energy efficiency, climate resilience, and community sustainability.

Nonprofit organizations working on safe mobility, STEM education, sustainability, or community well-being can apply for community support funding, including Utah groups focused on energy efficiency and conservation. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company provides limited grants worldwide to tax-exempt or charitable-equivalent organizations aligned with its Safe, Smart, and Sustainable focus areas.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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 Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

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.

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 Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.