Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

Ohio nonprofits, school districts, local governments, and small businesses seeking energy efficiency improvements in Ohio can access funding through Ohio Department of Development’s Energy Efficiency Program for Manufacturers and Nonmanufacturers – Audit Support. This program covers ASHRAE Level II energy audits that identify measures expected to cut utility energy use by at least 15 percent.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in Ohio working on energy efficiency, clean energy, or sustainable resource use can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 in programmatic support. With a mission to reduce environmental impact, American Honda Motor provides funding for decarbonization, clean energy installations, and efficient use of natural resources in communities where its associates live and work.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Ohio can receive funding and technical help to improve on-farm energy efficiency and other conservation practices. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Ohio supports projects that reduce energy use, improve soil and water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and build climate resilience on working lands.

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 Ohio, can seek US $500,000 - US $1,000,000 to expand high-quality workforce programs. Blackrock Foundation’s Future Builders initiative supports interventions like pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, wraparound supports, and ecosystem-building that may benefit energy efficiency and conservation training pathways.

Ohio nonprofit organizations planning solar energy or energy efficiency projects can access funding through the Solar Moonshot Program; awards up to US $25,000 help them switch to clean energy. Managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation, the program prioritizes projects with additional funding, serving youth or schools, or located in Communities of Concern across the U.S.

Organizations and stakeholders involved in U.S. grid planning, transmission, and large-load electricity use can provide input to shape future federal actions on expanding grid capacity and enabling electricity demand growth. Grants from National Energy Technology Laboratory help gather feedback on gigawatt-scale generation, transmission, and interconnection challenges affecting energy efficiency and conservation efforts in Ohio and nationwide.

Focused on energy efficiency and conservation, nonprofits and community organizations in eligible Ohio counties can apply for Enbridge’s community grants, typically ranging from US $1,000 - US $10,000. Funding supports safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities, including environmental education, habitat conservation, community safety, youth services, social services, and Indigenous culture initiatives near Enbridge operations.

U.S. industrial innovators developing thermal or electric energy storage solutions can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy to design, prototype, and validate cost-effective industrial energy storage systems. Ohio nonprofits, research institutions, and industry partners working on energy efficiency and conservation may be eligible for up to US $700,000 across this three-phase national prize competition.

Adams County, Ohio high school seniors and undergraduates pursuing ecology, forestry, wildlife, natural resources, or energy-efficiency-related trade and technical fields can receive scholarships to advance their studies. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio provides up to US $25,000 in scholarships that may benefit students connected to local energy efficiency and land stewardship efforts.

Low-income households needing home energy-efficiency upgrades in Ohio can access weatherization services through the Weatherization Assistance Program, administered locally with U.S. Department of Energy support. Grants from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) help improve residential energy efficiency; eligible applicants work through state and local weatherization agencies rather than applying directly to DOE.

Organizations commercializing advanced energy technologies in Ohio and nationwide can apply for United States Department of Energy ARPA-E SCALEUP awards, offering US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000 for high-risk, transformative R&D and scaleup. Eligible applicants must be scaling subject inventions originating from prior ARPA-E awards, reported in iEdison, and covered by a U.S. patent application or patent.

Nonprofit visual arts institutions in Ohio and across the U.S. can receive up to US $20,000 for clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability projects through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative Catalyst Grant. Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports first-step actions like LED upgrades, building envelope improvements, solar installations, and energy audits that reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Focused on energy efficiency and clean energy, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation invites Ohio visual arts museums and schools to seek implementation funding for capital projects that cut building energy use and emissions. Eligible U.S.-based cultural institutions can request up to US $100,000 for holistic, transformative projects that address climate impact across their facilities.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions in Ohio and across the U.S. can apply for Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s scoping grants, awarding up to US $25,000 for energy-efficiency and clean-energy assessments. Funding supports professional audits and planning to reduce building energy use, cut emissions, and identify cost-effective efficiency and electrification upgrades.

Ohio energy efficiency and conservation nonprofits can access funding through the Laird Norton Family Foundation for programs that reduce greenhouse gases and promote sustainable energy use. U.S.-based organizations working on energy efficiency, conservation, and related environmental stewardship may be considered under its climate-focused and watershed stewardship priorities.

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 CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Ohio working on energy efficiency, sustainable development, or environmental responsibility can apply for Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant to support community projects or events. Programs may also involve education, arts, or health and wellness, with preference for initiatives near Stantec office locations listed in the eligibility guidelines.

Nonprofit organizations working on energy efficiency, community safety, education, or sustainability projects in Ohio may be eligible for support from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s Community Support Grant. Grants from Goodyear help Ohio nonprofits advance safe mobility, STEM education, career preparation, environmental initiatives, hunger relief, and community leadership efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and other charitable entities in Ohio can apply for Toledo Community Foundation’s First Solar Corporate Charitable Fund grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $15,000 for green education, clean energy and water access, and sustainable technology projects. Energy efficiency and conservation initiatives in Lucas and Ottawa Counties may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, governments, and eligible community groups in Ohio can seek support for energy efficiency and conservation projects, broader environmental programs, education, and poverty solutions. Entergy Charitable Foundation prioritizes communities within its service areas, so Ohio applicants should confirm they are in an Entergy operations region before applying.

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 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.