Best Renewable Energy Grants in Virginia

Organizations in Virginia planning AmeriCorps programs around renewable or sustainable energy and environmental stewardship can seek planning support to design future service initiatives. Grants from Serve Virginia help nonprofits, faith-based, Tribal, and public entities develop evidence-informed AmeriCorps projects that build community resilience, with planning funds covering staff time and program design costs.

Virginia organizations and businesses planning economic or community development projects on abandoned mine lands can seek funding to support energy and redevelopment efforts in Virginia. Virginia Department of Energy provides Virginia renewable and sustainable energy applicants with Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program support to repurpose former coal sites, following federal AMLER guidance and state terms and conditions.

Local governments and community-based nonprofit organizations in Virginia can apply for Virginia Department of Energy’s Community-Oriented Resilient Energy (CORE) subawards, offering US $50,000 - US $250,000 for energy resilience projects. Funding supports renewable and resilient solutions like solar plus storage, distributed energy resources, mobile resilience hubs, and backup generation to limit disruptive outages.

Organizations in Virginia, including small businesses, large corporations, and nonprofits, can apply for $100,000 - $2,000,000 from the Virginia Power Innovation Program to advance innovative energy technologies and projects. With a mission to lead a safe, reliable energy future, Virginia Department of Energy supports nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture, and energy storage initiatives that strengthen the Commonwealth’s energy supply chain and workforce.

Organizations, including small businesses, large corporations, and nonprofits in Virginia, can seek financing for clean power generation and energy infrastructure projects through the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank. With a mission to advance a safe, reliable, and increasingly clean energy future, Virginia Department of Energy provides loans and credit enhancements for projects like solar, microgrids, and battery storage.

Nonprofit, faith-based, Tribal organizations, and state service commissions in Virginia can apply for AmeriCorps operational funding to run member-based programs in areas including renewable and sustainable energy. Grants from Serve Virginia help eligible groups deploy AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions that strengthen communities across disaster services, environmental stewardship, education, health, economic opportunity, and support for veterans and military families.

The Edison Scholars Program, sponsored by Edison International, offers $12,500 annually to thirty high school seniors pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and reside in Southern California Edison’s service territory. Scholars also gain access to a paid summer internship after their first year. Eligible majors include engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences, fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Virginia renewable and sustainable energy researchers and fisheries-focused organizations can access funding through the Northeast Sea Grant Consortium for projects examining interactions between fisheries and offshore wind development in the U.S. Northeast. Awards up to US $400,000 support social, cultural, historical, and economic research, with teams including at least one co-PI from NY, CT, MA, NH, ME, or RI.

Graduate-level students and researchers in renewable or sustainable energy, climate, cybersecurity, or related emerging technologies who are Australian or American citizens or permanent residents can receive up to US $40,000 for study between Australia and the U.S. With a mission to foster advanced study, American Australian Association provides funding for tuition, travel, and living or research expenses; Virginia-based scholars may be eligible.

Tribal governments and tribal entities pursuing renewable energy projects can apply for GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund capacity-building grants, including projects benefiting Virginia communities, with awards up to US $100,000 for solar infrastructure and workforce development. Funding supports new solar installations, energy planning, training, and leadership programs that build long-term tribal energy sovereignty and resilience across the U.S.

Virginia graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Offered by the American Water Works Association, this US $3,000 award supports research that delivers actionable, timely outcomes for current challenges in the water industry, including sustainable and renewable-related water practices.

Organizations commercializing ARPA-E–funded energy technologies that originated under a prior ARPA-E award and meet specific subject-invention and patent criteria can seek $5,000,000 - $20,000,000 to scale their innovations across the U.S., including Virginia. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy help advance high-risk, potentially transformative renewable and efficient energy technologies toward market disruption.

Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program (CEJA) (IL)

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to support the Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program. The goal is to establish a network of community-based providers across the state of Illinois. These providers will offer community education, outreach, and recruitment services to encourage eligible individuals to participate in clean energy workforce and contractor development programs.

The Energy Transition Navigators Program will provide outreach and recruitment for the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. The Department seeks to contract with the community-based provider(s) (“Navigator Teams”) to connect people to the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Navigator Teams will provide outreach and recruitment services to eligible populations to ensure they are aware of and engaged in the statewide and local workforce and contractor development programs.

Navigator Teams will prioritize individuals eligible for the following programs:

• Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (20 ILCS 730/5-20) - Creates 13 workforce hubs run by community-based organizations to provide clean jobs training and a career pipeline for eligible participants.
• Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (20 ILCS 730/5-40) - Creates 3 preapprenticeship centers to train equity investment eligible individuals for careers in clean energy sector construction and building trades.

To ensure that people are fully able to participate in these two workforce programs, Navigator Teams will assist eligible individuals in accessing Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program services (20 ILCS 730/5-30), including tools, mentoring, travel stipends, work clothes, certifications, childcare, and other support services. These services will be offered through the Climate Jobs Workforce Network and the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs. 

Additionally, Navigator Teams will engage eligible individuals to participate in the following programs:

• Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program (20 ILCS 730/5-45) - Creates regional contractor incubators to provide training, mentorship, low-cost capital, business planning, low-interest loans, and recruitment opportunities for small clean energy businesses and contractors.
• Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program (20 ILCS 730/5-55) - A program for contractors seeking to expand their capacity and fill the role of the prime contractor on clean energy projects through a structured five-year program with mentorship, operation support grants, business coaching, assistance applying for certifications, procurement programs, and preparing bids

Funding

$200000 - $500000

The American-Made Promoting Registration of Inverters and Modules with Ecolabel (PRIME) Prize, backed by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers $2.7 million to enhance the registration of solar PV modules and inverters via the EPEAT ecolabel. This initiative encourages manufacturers to meet EPEAT standards, thus appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. With two phases, the competition aims to boost sustainable practices as the U.S. increases solar adoption in various sectors.

Tribal governments and Tribal collaboratives pursuing offshore wind and other renewable energy capacity-building in Virginia and across the U.S. can access funding for planning, community engagement, workforce training, and environmental monitoring. United States Department of Energy’s Capacity Accelerator for Tribal Offshore Wind Engagement offers up to US $565,000 per team through a three-phase prize with cash awards and technical assistance.

Park Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations working on renewable and sustainable energy, clean drinking water, or green infrastructure with support for advocacy, organizing, policy development, and corporate responsibility efforts. Nonprofits addressing fossil fuel dependence or drinking water protection in Virginia, especially with New York or national connections, may be eligible to apply via a Letter of Inquiry.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations running programs in renewable and sustainable energy can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding, including work in Virginia. Grants support initiatives that advance environmental conservation, sustainable energy solutions, and related community development; new applicants must first complete an eligibility assessment.

Nonprofits and public entities pursuing renewable and sustainable energy, public infrastructure, or community development projects in Virginia’s Appalachian counties and cities can seek US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 to support economic growth and quality of life. Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Appalachian Regional Commission funding may benefit renewable energy and related workforce or business development initiatives.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on renewable and sustainable energy, social justice, education, workforce development, or community health in the U.S., including Virginia, may be eligible for grants supporting local programs and initiatives. AES Hawaii Foundation prioritizes projects near its renewable energy sites that address unmet community needs and deliver measurable, long-term impact.

About All Points North Foundation

All Points North Foundation is dedicated to navigating communities upward.

All Points North Foundation was founded in 2011 by a family who believes passionately that everyone has a “true North” – a place of achievement – and that everyone should have equal opportunity and access to realize their goals.

Our Vision

We envision a nation where the middle school years are seen as an important, vital time in the lives of youth, and where the public middle school education experience in underserved communities measurably improves

We also envision a nation where the integration of solar benefits families, local economies and the environment.

Our Priorities

All Points North Foundation funds grantees in two areas – public middle school education (grades 6-8) and solar – that have the power to help communities nationwide navigate upward.

Grant Making

All Points North Foundation seeks collaborative partnerships with grantees in our two priority areas.

Solar Energy

All Points North Foundation is focused on finding ways to significantly advance the penetration of solar through education, job training and use of solar electric technologies in the United States.

All Points North Foundation has three priority areas:

Providing solar and workforce development training for Tribal communities to expand and diversify the solar job pipeline.

Working with small- to medium-sized science centers to engage students, families and local communities on the benefits and science behind solar.

Providing solar installations to nonprofit organizations that build high-quality, safe and affordable residential housing, offsetting energy costs and enabling cost savings for households.

The cost of solar has dropped dramatically over the last decade, however the upfront cost of going solar remains a hurdle for most families, communities and nonprofits.

All Points North Foundation does consider funding solar projects outside of these focal areas, but the programs must demonstrate how solar will have a broader impact on local communities (e.g., economic, social or environmental), as well as showcase the potential for replication across the nation.

The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, administered by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions in agriculture and related fields. By providing financial support, the program encourages institutions to compete for federal funding, disseminate vital information, and foster community engagement in educational and research initiatives. This initiative is crucial for developing infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and establishing graduate assistantships to address national and regional agricultural priorities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program, managed by the Environmental Leadership Program, aims to foster conservation and clean energy careers for emerging leaders of color. This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Ideal candidates are those with a passion for social and environmental justice, who identify as part of historically marginalized groups, and are committed to community engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector.

The Environmental Grantmaking Program at the Educational Foundation of America (EFA) aims to support projects that facilitate a transition to a net-zero electricity system. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program emphasizes initiatives that enhance access to affordable clean energy, accelerate regional transitions, and strengthen financial investment in electric utilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 public charities, academic institutions, and government entities committed to sustainable energy solutions.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.