Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation is accepting applications for its PV for Nature/Welcome Centers Program.
Donor Name: Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
State: Illinois
Counties: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Types of Entities: Non-profit Organizations, Charitable Organizations, Local Governments
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 02/24/2022
Size of the Grant: $1,000
Details:
Grants are available to install photovoltaic (PV) systems at existing nature/welcome centers owned by park districts, forest preserves, and other 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations preserving natural areas in Illinois.
The PV systems will allow nature/welcome centers to:
- Offset electricity purchased from the grid.
- Lower electric utility costs.
- Decrease their carbon footprint.
- Demonstrate that solar photovoltaic panels work in Illinois.
- Educate the public about sustainability and renewable energy.
Funding Information
Eligible applicants can receive up to $1.50/Watt for the PV System (or 60% of the PV system cost, whichever is less) as well as $1,000 towards highly visible, permanent educational signage. Payment is made upon successful completion of the project.
The grant award process is competitive. Some applicants will receive funding at the requested level, others at lesser amounts than originally requested, and some may be declined altogether.
Eligible Applicants
- 501(c)(3) charitable organizations whose mission is to preserve natural areas in Illinois.
- Local units of government.
Projects
- PV systems must be sized to meet no more than the facility’s annual electricity needs.
- Feature strong education and outreach component that includes highly visible permanent signage.
Criteria
- Located in Illinois.
- Must not have started construction
- Train current and future facilities staff to operate and maintain the PV system.
- Must retire any environmental attributes (i.e. renewable energy credits, emission offsets, etc.) associated with the project.
- The Foundation favors projects at facilities that have demonstrated a commitment to improving their energy efficiency.
For more information, visit PV for Nature/Welcome Centers Program.