Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Kansas

Kansas Department of Transportation 

KDOT delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.

We maintain thousands of miles of roadways to keep people and goods moving smoothly across the state. Our dedicated team plans, builds, and maintains highways, bridges, and other infrastructure with a focus on safety and innovation.

By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, KDOT aims to enhance the quality of life for all Kansans, support economic growth, and improve travel experiences. 

FTA Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities: Low or Zero-Emission Program

Purpose

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program (49 U.S.C. 5339) makes Federal resources available to States and designated recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities including technological changes or innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities. Funding is provided through formula allocations and competitive grants. 

• Low-No Program funds will be awarded competitively for the purchase or lease of buses that use low- or no-emission propulsion technologies, including related equipment or facilities.
• Any zero-emission project or components of a zero-emission project must use 5 percent of Federal funds for workforce development, unless the applicant certifies less or no funding is needed for this purpose.

Statutory References 49 U.S.C. Section 5339 / FAST Act Section 3017

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities include capital projects to purchase or lease zero-emission or low-emission transit buses; and acquire, construct, rehabilitate, and lease required supporting facilities such as recharging, refueling, and maintenance facilities.

Grants help Kansas Main Street programs and local property owners renovate upper floors of commercial buildings for downtown housing, historic preservation, and energy efficiency, with awards up to US $50,000. Grants from Kansas Department of Commerce support projects that conserve energy, rehabilitate properties, and strengthen the tax base in participating Main Street districts.

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 workforce training or capacity-building solutions in Kansas can access support through the Blackrock Foundation’s BlackRock Future Builders initiative. Grants from US $500,000 - US $1,000,000 fund pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, wraparound supports, and systems-level projects, which may benefit organizations integrating energy efficiency and conservation into trades training programs.

Kansas nonprofit organizations planning solar energy or energy efficiency projects can access funding through Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation, with grants up to US $25,000. Projects with additional funding, near-term installation plans, or located in Communities of Concern, especially those serving youth and schools, may be particularly competitive within this U.S.-wide program.

Nonprofit and public service providers in Kansas offering eligible public services, including energy efficiency and conservation programs, can apply for up to US $35,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding. Focused on community development, Johnson County Kansas invites applicants serving low- to moderate-income residents with services such as energy conservation, employment, education, health, and childcare.

Organizations and stakeholders involved in large-scale energy infrastructure and grid planning can provide input to shape future federal actions supporting grid capacity and reliability in Kansas and nationwide. Grants from National Energy Technology Laboratory help energy efficiency and conservation efforts by gathering feedback on transmission, interconnection, and generation investments needed to meet rapidly growing electricity demand.

Focused on energy efficiency and conservation, nonprofits and community organizations in eligible Kansas counties can apply for Enbridge’s Community Grant for projects that enhance safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Awards range from US $1,000 - US $10,000 and may support environmental education, stewardship, habitat conservation, and related community initiatives near Enbridge operations.

U.S. industrial organizations developing energy efficiency and storage solutions, including those in Kansas, can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy for thermal and electric industrial energy storage concepts. This three-phase national prize offers up to US $700,000 per team to design, prototype, and validate cost-effective industrial energy storage systems that improve facility efficiency.

Low-income households needing home energy efficiency upgrades in Kansas and nationwide can apply for weatherization services through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Grants from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) help reduce energy use and costs by funding local providers that deliver weatherization improvements, benefiting both homeowners and renters who meet income-based criteria.

Organizations scaling ARPA-E–funded energy technologies that improve efficiency or conservation in Kansas and beyond can apply for United States Department of Energy (DOE) support. Eligible applicants must commercialize subject inventions from prior ARPA-E awards that are reported in iEdison and covered by a filed or issued U.S. patent, with awards ranging from US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000.

Nonprofit visual arts institutions in Kansas 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.

Focused on energy efficiency and clean energy, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation invites Kansas visual arts museums and schools to apply for implementation funding. Eligible U.S.-based institutions can receive up to US $100,000 in partial seed support for holistic capital projects that cut building energy use and reduce emissions, benefiting cultural facilities with significant energy costs.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions in Kansas 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 consulting to identify efficiency upgrades, clean energy options, and strategies to reduce building emissions and fossil fuel use.

With a mission to support community development and sustainability, Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation provides Kansas nonprofits and accredited schools with funding for energy efficiency and conservation, STEM education, and sustainable construction projects. Organizations in eligible Kansas counties may benefit, especially those offering workforce development or affordable, accessible housing tied to environmental stewardship.

Kansas nonprofits working on energy efficiency, conservation, or related environmental initiatives can access funding through Laird Norton Family Foundation, which supports U.S.-based organizations only. Programs may be eligible if they advance carbon reduction, renewable energy, or broader environmental stewardship within the foundation’s established climate and watershed priorities.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Kansas working on energy efficiency, conservation, or broader environmental, arts, education, or health and wellness projects can apply for Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant. Funding may support community projects, initiatives, or events, with preference for activities located near Stantec offices listed among the eligible Kansas counties.

Nonprofit organizations working on community safety, STEM education, sustainability, or energy efficiency and conservation in Kansas may be eligible for this corporate community 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 public spaces and hunger relief.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities in Kansas working on energy efficiency, conservation, or related environmental programs can seek support for community-focused projects. Entergy Charitable Foundation supports initiatives in its operations areas that advance energy management, renewable energy, environmental education, and community resilience, as well as broader poverty solutions and education/workforce development efforts.

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.

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 Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.