Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

Arizona accredited charities running community, humanitarian, education, environmental, or arts projects may be eligible for philanthropic support that promotes sustainable development and engages Roche expertise and employees. Roche supports high-quality local initiatives worldwide, so Arizona nonprofits with strong social, environmental, or educational impacts may fit their Corporate Donations and Philanthropy priorities.

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 running skilled trades training or capacity‑building programs, including those serving Arizona and working on energy efficiency and conservation, can apply for US $500,000 - US $1,000,000 from the Blackrock Foundation. Funding supports worker training, apprenticeships, wraparound supports, and systems‑level efforts that strengthen the skilled trades workforce ecosystem.

Arizona nonprofit organizations planning solar energy projects can access funding through Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation to help afford the switch to clean energy. Grants up to Up to US $25,000 are available nationwide, with priority for projects in Communities of Concern, serving youth or schools, and with near-term installation and additional funding sources.

Organizations and stakeholders involved in energy efficiency, conservation, and grid planning in Arizona can use this federal Request for Information to provide input on gigawatt-scale generation and transmission investments. Grants from National Energy Technology Laboratory help shape U.S. strategies for expanding electric grid capacity to meet growing demand from data centers and other large energy users.

Nonprofits, companies, and other teams developing industrial energy storage solutions for efficiency can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy in Arizona and nationwide. The Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize offers up to US $700,000 per team across three phases to design, prototype, and validate cost-effective thermal and electric storage technologies for industrial facilities.

Low-income households in Arizona and nationwide can receive weatherization services to improve home energy efficiency through the Weatherization Assistance Program, administered locally. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy help cover energy-saving upgrades for eligible homeowners and renters, which may benefit nonprofits that assist clients with housing and energy efficiency needs.

U.S. organizations scaling ARPA-E–funded energy technologies, including those advancing energy efficiency and conservation, can apply for United States Department of Energy grants ranging from US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000. This national opportunity supports high-risk, early-stage innovations moving from discovery toward deployment, and Arizona nonprofits involved in eligible ARPA-E subject inventions may benefit.

Nonprofit visual arts institutions in Arizona 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’s Catalyst Grants. Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports first-step or small-scale efforts like LED upgrades, building envelope improvements, solar installations, and energy audits that reduce environmental impact and operating costs.

Arizona community groups, nonprofits, schools, and locally owned businesses can access funding for sustainability projects in areas like building energy efficiency, climate action, transportation, food, and public health. Flagstaff City Hall’s Neighborhood Sustainability Grants offer up to US $7,500 for projects within Flagstaff city limits that engage volunteers, build partnerships, and involve underserved or vulnerable residents.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions in Arizona can seek funding to implement energy efficiency and clean energy projects that reduce building emissions. Focused on energy efficiency and conservation, the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s Frankenthaler Climate Initiative offers implementation grants up to US $100,000 for holistic, transformative capital projects at U.S.-based visual arts organizations, including museums and visual arts schools.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions in Arizona and across the U.S. can apply for Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s Frankenthaler Climate Initiative Scoping Grants, awarding up to US $25,000 for energy assessments and planning. Funding supports audits and consultant-led studies to identify energy efficiency, clean energy, and emissions-reduction opportunities in their facilities.

Arizona nonprofits working on energy efficiency and conservation can access funding through the Laird Norton Family Foundation, which supports U.S. organizations in areas like carbon reduction and sustainable energy. Programs that also address climate change, watershed stewardship, arts in education, or youth homelessness services in eligible regions may be considered.

Nonprofits, public education institutions, government entities, and Canadian charities working on energy efficiency and conservation in Arizona communities where Weyerhaeuser operates can seek project support. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports local initiatives within its seven focus areas, offering more than US $1,000 for programs that measurably improve community quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited schools in Arizona working on energy efficiency and conservation, STEM education, sustainability, or affordable housing may be eligible for this support. With a mission to strengthen communities through sustainable construction and workforce development, Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation provides direct grants in select counties where its employees live and work.

Nonprofit organizations working on community safety, STEM education, sustainability, or energy efficiency and conservation, including those in Arizona, may be eligible for grant support. Grants from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company help fund programs that promote safe mobility, inspire student success, and address environmental and societal needs such as hunger relief and improving public spaces.

Arizona nonprofits and public entities working on energy efficiency, conservation, and related environmental programs can seek support for projects such as energy management, renewable energy, and environmental education. Entergy Charitable Foundation prioritizes communities in its U.S. service areas, funding efforts that also address poverty solutions, housing stability, and education/workforce development.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Arizona working on arts, education, environment, or health and wellness projects or events can apply for Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant to support their initiatives. Programs promoting energy efficiency and conservation may be eligible if they operate near a Stantec office or service area listed among its priority locations.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Arizona can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects like disaster preparedness, home and auto safety, neighborhood revitalization, and job training may benefit organizations also advancing energy efficiency and conservation goals.

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 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.

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 Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.