Initiative Overview

Society’s transition away from heavy reliance on fossil fuels toward carbon-free or reduced-carbon  energy sources offers opportunities for creativity and innovation. We support nonprofit organizations working to change perceptions about the level of environmental responsibility that is desirable and attainable in the built environment.

We support work such as:

• The design of replicable models and practices that lead to highly efficient and/or carbon-neutral buildings.
• Outreach to professionals in the architecture, design, engineering and building management fields about energy performance aspirations.
• Communication with public officials who can help create a policy environment supportive of advanced design.

Eligibility

Who may apply?

• U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and their Canadian equivalents
• Government entities

Who will be competitive?

• We award support to organizations whose work aligns closely with our strategies and holds strong promise to bring about positive change.
• We award support to organizations that work nationally, across multiple states or at the regional or statewide level. Projects that are local in scope without clear replication potential rarely are funded.
• The majority of grants and program-related investments are made within the United States. We do not support projects outside of North America.

We do not fund:

• Environmental education programs or the development of curricula.
• Media projects unless they are tightly aligned with our grantmaking strategies and advance the work of our grantees.
• The construction or renovation of facilities or individual renewable-energy installations.
• The acquisition of land, other property or conservation easements for solely land-conservation purposes.
• The costs associated with designing and planning environmentally responsible buildings.
• Individuals.
• Primary scientific research.
• Research and development of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
• International projects outside of North America.

Application Process

The Environment Program primarily accepts grant requests by invitation. However, if your organization’s work is consistent with the program’s goals, you may submit a preliminary application as a means of letting Environment Program staff learn more about your activities.

An application has two parts:

• Part 1, the preliminary application, contains a data-entry component and several attachments, including a narrative.
• If a program staff member determines your request has potential for funding, he or she will ask you to provide additional information. This will constitute Part 2 of the application process.