Green Grants

Energy efficiency is a major concern across the country.  Green grants are available from several sources.  Individuals and organizations are eligible for a variety of green grants depending on the specific grant program.

Individuals are eligible for green grants through community funds.  Homeowners can receive funding through local Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs that encourage residents to make modifications to their home in order to conserve energy and save money.  These include energy-efficiency windows and solar panels on roofs.

Several foundations offer grants for environmentally-friendly programs and activities.  They even require grant applications be submitted on recycled paper to be eligible for review by program staff.  These are typically national or regional foundations that seek innovative ways to conserve energy, reduce pollution, and save the earth.  They encourage education programs that inform the world’s citizenry of the need to reduce, recycle, and reuse materials.

Green grants can also be awarded to businesses and corporations by states and municipalities for upgrades that make the companies more environmentally savvy.  The purpose of the grants is to reduce greenhouse emissions, develop creative methods of recycling, and reducing ground contaminations.  Additional initiatives include improving air quality and creating sustainable programs.

Government energy departments offer grants that target green initiatives. Businesses that develop green technologies can participate in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs which provide funding for research and development activities.  Eligible grants may be available from multiple federal agencies and departments including the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Green grants can be used to develop and test new forms of energy including wind farms and solar energy.  These grants are available from the U.S. Department of Energy as well as national foundations.  Private foundations may also support such initiatives.