The 2023 SEEL program provides grant funding and technical assistance for nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses to improve building efficiency and install solar.
Donor Name: City of Bloomington
State: Indiana
City: Bloomington
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/24/2023
Size of the Grant: $25,000
Details:
Project Eligibility
- Solar PV installation or addition
- 8kW system size and 3,000 square foot facility minimum for all participating organization
- All solar projects must be completed by MPI Solar to be eligible for grant funding.
Solar Grants
- $25,000 Solar Grant- Grant amounts will be deducted from the final MPI Solar invoice. Participating organizations will pay the balance directly to the solar contractor.
- Low Interest Loans (optional) – If needed, solar loans are available through Hoosier Hills Credit Union or IFF to help fund solar projects. These lending opportunities are also available for eligible organizations who are not participating in the program.
Additional Rebates and Tax Incentives
- Federal Investment Tax Credit
- In addition to the grant funding provided by the City of Bloomington, all organizations installing solar also qualify for the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, which equates to 30% of the cost of the solar installation. Tax credit payment processes vary based on tax classification, and all participating organizations should refer to the Department of Energy’s Information Guide on the Investment Tax Credit for businesses to determine their eligibility and how to file.
- Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
- In Indiana, the Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption allows for the assessed value of renewable energy systems to be exempt from property taxes. Learn more about how to file for the tax exemption at:
- Indiana Sales Tax Exemption
- Indiana’s sales tax exemption for electric generating equipment allows for the exemption of all sales tax associated with solar installation.
Eligible Organizations
- Nonprofits: tax exempt (501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6)) organizations are eligible for the program. Employee benefit associations, social welfare organizations, and business leagues are also eligible.
- Note: Religious organizations are eligible to participate for facilities that are non-proselytizing and do not promote religious doctrine or instruction.
- Schools: schools must be categorized as tax exempt charitable organizations. Early Childhood Centers: child care centers or early education centers must be categorized as not for profit organizations.
- Libraries: libraries must be categorized as tax-exempt.
- Healthcare facilities: healthcare facilities must be categorized as not for profit organizations.
- Grocery stores: grocery stores must be categorized as nonprofit organizations.
- Businesses: Small businesses are defined as those having less than 500 full-time employees, and meet the additional qualifications below.
- Other governmental and for-profit residential property management entities are not eligible for this program.
Eligible organizations must also:
- Own or rent a facility located within Bloomington city limits. Organizations that rent their facility must have the owner of the facility provide permission to participate in the program.
- Facility must be a minimum of 3,000 square feet.
- Have at least one part or full time staff member to serve as the program point of contact.
Grant availability is based on program capacity and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis by the dates listed on the information pages below. If capacity is reached in a cohort, the application portal will close until the cohort deadline has passed. Grants are subject to availability until funding is exhausted for 2023.
For more information, visit City of Bloomington.
