The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation provides grants 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.
Donor Name: Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
State: Illinois
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/24/2023
Size of the Grant: $1,000
Details:
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.
Eligible 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.
Eligibility 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
- Applicants:
- 501(c)(3) charitable organizations whose mission is to preserve natural areas in Illinois
- Local units of government.
For more information, visit ICECF.
