Great Lakes Protection Fund

The Great Lakes Protection Fund welcomes proposals for projects that enhance the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem and that will return the greatest ecosystem benefits. Current interests include preventing biological pollution, leadership for ecosystem restoration, using market mechanisms for environmental improvement, and restoring natural flow regimes. The Fund accepts preproposals at any time. The Fund's Board of Directors makes award decisions at their March, June, September and December meetings.

California Emerging Renewables Rebate Program

The California Energy Commission is offering cash rebates on eligible renewable energy electric-generating systems through its Emerging Renewables Program. The program provides rebates to consumers who install qualifying renewable energy systems. The financial incentive may vary according to the system size, technology and installation method. Affordable housing projects may qualify for an extra 25 percent rebate above the standard rebate. Photovoltaics, small wind turbines, fuel cells, and solar thermal electricity systems may be eligible.

Rehabilitation Tax Credit Guide

To help owners of older and historic properties use the federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (RTC) , the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with financial assistance from the Ford Foundation and technical assistance from Polsinelli Shalton Welte Suelthaus, P.C., has created an interactive, step-by-step online guide to determining whether the RTC may benefit a particular rehabilitation project. The RTC encourages the preservation and reuse of the nation's built environment by offering federal tax credits to the owners of historic properties. The tax credits represent a dollar-for-dollar reduction of federal taxes owed.

Pennsylvania Home Town Streets and Safe Routes to School Program

Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, this program seeks to encourage the reinvestment in and redevelopment of downtowns, and to establish safe walking routes for children and to promote healthy living. Eligible projects include streetscape enhancements, pedestrian education, and sidewalk improvement. This is cost reimbursement funding, and a 20 percent funding match is required. The program will encompass $200 million over four years, and projects may be awarded up to $1,000,000 in federal transportation funds.

Federal Funding Sources for Rural Areas

The USDA Rural Information Center recently launched a new database, Federal Funding Sources for Rural Areas. The database provides keyword and Boolean search capabilities. The webpage also features links to key funding programs and grant writing resources.

Affordable Housing, Community Development and K-12 Public Education Grants

The Washington Mutual Foundation makes millions of dollars in cash grants each year to support affordable housing/community development and K-12 public education. To make long-term, safe, accessible and affordable housing available for low- to moderate-income (LMI) individuals and families, the foundation provides three types of grants: general operating grants to support organizations developing long-term affordable housing, capacity building grants for nonprofit housing developers, and capital grants to build long-term, affordable housing for LMI individuals. The foundation also supports civic betterment programs and education programs that benefit K-12 public schools, including professional development for teachers and organizational development for schools or districts. Proposals are accepted on an on-going basis, in areas where Washington Mutual does business.

Nebraska Dollar and Energy Saving Loans

The Nebraska State Energy Office and the state's lending institutions offer low-interest loans for home, building, and system improvements in the state. Visit the link above for details.

Ohio Environmental Education Fund

The purpose of the Ohio Environmental Education Fund is to improve environmental literacy in Ohio. The OEEF funds education projects that target three audiences: (1) pre-school through university students and teachers; (2) the general public; and (3) the regulated community. OEEF also offers a separate Mini Grant Program for projects costing between $500 and $5,000, with streamlined applications and review. There are two grant application deadlines each year: January 15 and July 15.

National Transportation Safety Initiatives Grant Program

The National Transportation Safety Initiatives Grant Program promotes safety initiatives in local communities. Grants will help fund projects designed to improve specific traffic and pedestrian safety problems, and foster overall safety improvements within a county or municipality. Categories include school zone safety, pedestrian safety, high incident intersection safety, and high hazard road safety. Four grants will be awarded each quarter. Recipients will receive 3M in-kind materials customized to the specific safety solution described. Based on the merit of application, the in-kind awards will range from $1,000 - $10,000. Applicants must be members of the National Association of County Engineers. Applications are accepted quarterly.

Historic Chicago Bungalow Association 2004 Incentives

The Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative has announced its 2004 program incentives and resources. New guidelines for the Chicago Bungalow Mortgage and Chicago Bungalow Rehab Tax Credit programs mean that anyone who owns or purchases a historic bungalow worth up to $272,800 can qualify for a cash gift equal to 4% of the loan, competitive fixed-interest rate mortgages, and federal tax breaks worth up to $2,000 per year for owners who use loans to improve their Historic Bungalows. The city also provides a $1,000 cash voucher toward the purchase of energy-efficient appliances to anyone who borrows from a participating lender to purchase or rehab a historic bungalow. The program is particularly interested in projects promoting energy efficiency of bungalows.

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund is offering funding through a new three-year program for photovoltaic installations on commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. The fund seeks proposals over the next three years and will provide funding to projects that demonstrate solar as a viable clean energy resource in Connecticut.

Wisconsin Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Grants

Homeowners and businesses in Wisconsin can receive cash-back rewards of up to $35,000 to help them install, expand, or repair commercially available solar and wind systems. Homeowners may also access up to $30,000 to install or expand commercially available solar hot water systems. The money is being offered through the Focus on Energy program, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative. Focus on Energy is also offering grants of up to $70,000 to businesses for installing commercially available bioenergy systems that produce electricity and use thermal energy. Low interest loans are also available for some renewables projects.

Horizon Organic Dairy

Colorado-based Horizon Organic Dairy provides support to nonprofit organizations that champion environmental education and preservation; family farmers and rural issues; animal welfare; and, organic research, education and promotion. The company provides cash contributions and donations of Horizon Organic products to groups throughout the United States, though emphasis is placed on communities with company facilities. Requests for for support may be submitted year-round. See the web site above for details and a simple application form.

Ford Motor Company Fund

The Ford Motor Company Fund -- separate from the Ford Foundation -- supports nonprofit organizations in four areas: Learning for Life, Sustainable Results, Helping Communities, and Willing Hands. Under Sustainable Results, environmental grants are funded that focus on addressing manufacturing and product effects on the environment, as well as innovative solutions to improve the environment. The Helping Communities section includes funding of programs that promote community involvement and which focus on youth, community development, diversity education, and conflict resolution. Requests for a Ford grant are accepted and reviewed throughout the year. To apply for support, an organization must complete the grant application enclosed in the Ford Fund annual report, at the website above.

Social Entrepreneur Funding

The Draper Richards Foundation provides selected social entrepreneurs with funding of $100,000 annually for three years. The funds are specifically and solely for entrepreneurs starting new non-profit organizations. The foundation critiques the ability of the organization to create significant social change. The idea must be sustainable and scalable. The founder must have the skills to manage a national or global organization. The projects selected will demonstrate innovative ways to solve existing social problems. The Foundation will accept proposals for a variety of public service areas, including, but not limited to, education, youth and families, the environment, arts, health, and community and economic development. Proposals are accepted at any time.

Arizona Public Service Doubles Incentives for Solar Energy

Arizona Public Service (APS), the state's largest electric utility, will double its incentive for grid-connected solar power systems starting January 1, 2004. The utility currently offers an incentive of $2 per watt, up to half the cost of the installation, but has realized that nearly all of the 200 customers that took advantage of the incentive were located off of the electric grid. The new incentive of $4 per watt for grid-connected systems will help APS meet its requirements for generating power from solar energy. To further sweeten the deal, Arizona residents can also receive a state solar energy credit equal to one-quarter the cost of the system, up to $1,000. APS is also doubling its incentive payment for solar water heating systems to $700.

Nathan Cummings Foundation Grants

The New York-based Nathan Cummings Foundation seeks to build a socially and economically just society that values nature and protects the ecological balance for future generations, promotes humane health care, and fosters arts and culture that enrich communities. The goal of its environmental grants is to facilitate environmental justice and environmentally sustainable communities by supporting the accountability of corporations, governments, and other institutions for their environmental practices. Funding priority is given to projects with the potential of having state, multi-state, or national impacts. Only tax-exempt nonprofit charitable organizations are eligible for funding. For 2002, the Foundation's total grant budget was $20,300,000. There are no specific deadlines for letters of inquiry, but most grants are approved during two board meetings in the spring and fall.

Appalachian Regional Development Grants

The Appalachian Regional Commission awards program grants for projects that benefit the Appalachian Region by furthering the five goals identified by the Commission in its strategic plan. Typically, ARC grants are awarded to state and local agencies and governmental entities (such as economic development authorities), local governing boards (such as county councils), and nonprofit organizations (such as schools and organizations that build low-cost housing). Program grants are made to nonprofit organizations.

Seattle Bank Offers Mortgage Financing for Energy Efficiency

HomeStreet Bank and the Efficiency Services Group (ESG) are now offering homeowners a way to use their mortgage to finance energy- efficiency improvements. Through the Mortgage Options for Resource Efficiency (MORE) program, homeowners can add $4,000 to their mortgage, which is placed in an escrow account. An energy specialist from ESG, a division of Portland General Electric, will then perform an energy analysis to determine which upgrades make the most sense. The homeowner can then choose from a menu of energy-efficiency options, including lighting, appliances, water-saving devices, and weatherization measures. Unused funds are applied to the pay the principal on the mortgage.

Singing for Change Charitable Foundation

Singing for Change (SFC), created by singer Jimmy Buffett, was initially funded with contributions from his 1995 concert tour. It offers competitive grants to progressive non-profit organizations that address the root causes of social or environmental problems. SFC is interested in funding projects that improve the quality of life for people, and empower individuals to effect positive change in their communities. Most likely to be considered are organizations with low overhead and that collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving common problems. The foundation primarily supports projects that serve children and families, the environment, and disenfranchised groups. Grants range from $500 to $10,000.

Union Square Awards Seek Nominees

The Union Square Awards seek to encourage grassroots activism as a means of strengthening communities throughout New York City, and they recognize notable contributions to the educational, economic and cultural life of New York City. The Awards honor individuals who have initiated and developed projects/organizations in the areas of homelessness and hunger; HIV/AIDS prevention, education and treatment; conflict resolution; economic self-sufficiency; and youth and family development. The Union Square Award consists of a grant of up to $50,000. This amount is allocated between the individual and their project, as determined by the Union Square Awards Selection Panel.

California Peak Load Reduction Program

The Peak Load Reduction Program encourages Californians to reduce energy consumption, particularly during peak times, by funding qualified energy-saving efforts. Funds are available for a variety of sectors and projects. See the link above for details.

Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council Grant Programs

The Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council is a New York State agency established by the Greenway Act of 1991. The Council was created to work with local and county governments to enhance local land use planning and create a voluntary regional planning compact for the Hudson River Valley. The Council provides community planning grants and technical assistance through the “Greenway Communities Grant Program” to help communities develop a vision for their future and tools to achieve it by balancing economic development and resource protection objectives. The Council also administers the “Greenway Compact Grant Program” to provide grant funding and technical assistance to assist counties in the development of the Greenway Compact, a regional planning strategy. Proposals can be submitted any time during the year; the Council board meets quarterly.

LADWP Consumer Rebate Program

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is offering a Consumer Rebate Program promoting energy-efficient products. The LADWP is providing cash rebates to purchase residential energy-efficiency products. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifying products must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2004.

Affordable Housing Initiative for Lower Manhattan

Over 300 affordable housing units will be produced in Lower Manhattan as part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center. The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) will provide a $50 million grant for subsidies providing affordable housing tied to the Liberty Bond program, jointly administered by the New York State Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The grant will fund affordable units for moderate-to middle-income working families in the income range of approximately $50,000 to $85,000.

Long Island Power Authority Solar Pioneer Program

Long Island Power Authority's Solar Pioneer Program encourages the use of clean solar energy among Long Island homeowners and helps make the installation of a PV system more affordable by offering direct incentives of up to $5 per watt. For the first 1000 kW of PV systems installed under the program, LIPA offers a rebate of $5.00 per watt for systems up to 10kW. For the next 1000kW, LIPA will offer a rebate of $4.50 per watt for systems up to 10kW. For the remaining 1000kW block, LIPA will offer a rebate of $4.00 per watt for systems up to 10kW. Availability for these rebates is on a first-come, first-serve basis, based upon application pre-approval by LIPA. The LIPA website provides up-to-date information on the available rebates.

Massachusetts Greenways and Trails Demonstration Grants Program

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management provides grants of up to $5,000 to non-profit organizations, municipalities, and regional planning associations to support innovative greenway and trail projects throughout Massachusetts. DEM will also consider requests of up to $10,000 for multi-town greenway and trail projects. Projects eligible for funding include greenway and trail planning, mapping and resource assessment, greenway related public education and outreach, and greenway and trail management, maintenance, and expansion. For more information about the Grant Program, contact Jennifer Howard, Director, Greenways Program at (413) 586-8706 ext. 18.

Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation Grants

The Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation provides grants of up to $10,580 (a symbolic amount representing the cost of the "Spirit of St. Louis") to men and women whose individual initiative and work in a wide spectrum of disciplines furthers the Lindberghs' vision of a balance between the advance of technology and the preservation of the natural/human environment. Lindbergh Grants are made in the following categories: agriculture; aviation/aerospace; conservation of natural resources - including animals, plants, water, and general conservation (land, air, energy, etc.); education - including humanities/education, the arts, and intercultural communication; exploration; health - including biomedical research, health and population sciences, and adaptive technology; and waste minimization and management. The deadline for grant applications is the second Thursday of June in the year preceeding the awarding of funds.

Montana Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program

The Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program provides a financing option to Montana homeowners and small businesses to install alternative energy systems that generate energy for their own use. Net metering is allowed. The program is funded by air quality penalties collected by the Department of Environmental Quality.

New Energy Foundation Program on State and Regional Climate Policy

The Energy Foundation recently launched a new funding area focused on state and regional climate policy initiatives. This program, known as the Climate Program, is supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. It replaces the U.S. Clean Energy Program, which is being phased out. The Climate Program, developed with input from grantees and other experts in the field, is the only Energy Foundation program aimed squarely at climate change policy. The efforts supported by this program will have reducing greenhouse gas emissions as their main objective. Potential areas of work include: state and regional carbon cap-and-trade programs; state and regional greenhouse gas plans and targets; GHG reporting and reduction initiatives; and financial mechanisms, like incentives or carbon taxes.

Global Greengrants Fund

The Global Greengrants Fund supports grassroots groups working for environmental justice and sustainability around the world. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000.

Massachusetts Green Energy Fund

Massachusetts Governor Romney announced the formation of a new $15 million Green Energy Fund to provide equity capital, loans and management assistance to Massachusetts-based renewable energy businesses. A professional manager will be recruited to manage the fund.

California Brownfields Assessment Loan Program

The California Center for Land Recycling and the California Environmental Redevelopment Fund have announced a new brownfield assessment loan program. Created by the Office of the State Treasurer, California Recycle Underutilized Sites provides low-interest, forgivable loans of up to $125,000 for brownfield site assessment and characterization, technical assistance, and remedial action planning. Eligible projects include sites with potential beneficial reuse not currently redeveloped due to lack of information about real or perceived contamination, uncertainty about clean-up costs, or concerns regarding timeframes and the regulatory process. Priority will be given to projects located in distressed neighborhoods with demonstrated community support. No application deadline is specified.

Patagonia Environmental Grants

Patagonia, a California-based outdoors clothing and sporting accessories company, supports small, grassroots activist environmental organizations nationally and internationally. The company's grants particularly seek to help local groups working to protect local habitat. Patagonia is most interested in organizations that identify and work on the root causes of problems and that approach issues with a commitment to long-term change. Most grants are in the range of $3,000 to $8,000. Proposals are welcome during the months of April and August each year.

Sources of Financial Assistance for Historic Preservation Projects

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), an independent Federal agency that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and productive use of our Nation's historic resources, and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy, offers Sources of Financial Assistance for Historic Preservation Projects. This online reference is a clearinghouse of information established to assist the preservation community and the general public in exploring the range of preservation funding options. The emphasis is on Federal funding, with more limited discussion of State, tribal, local, and non-profit funding opportunities. Links to specific program websites, as well as the program's listing in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, are provided, both of which provide detailed information on eligibility and application requirements.

Columbia Foundation

The Columbia Foundation awards grants to Bay Area and Greater Northern California nonprofits to: 1) enhance the quality of life through the arts; 2) advance human rights; and 3) create sustainable communities and economies. Each program has a different annual deadline. Proposals for Sustainable Communities and Economies program are due December 15 of each year.

National Tree Trust Community Tree Planting Grants

The Community Tree Planting Program of the National Tree Trust facilitates tree planting on public land (parks, schools, cemeteries, etc.) and along roadsides with the aid of volunteers. Grants fund one-year-old, regionally appropriate tree seedlings, two-gallon plastic containers, and money to pay for soil. All projects must utilize volunteers. Grant recipients must maintain seedlings for at least two years after planting and complete an annual report form each year.

NEEA Unsolicited Energy Efficiency Proposals

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) has developed an unsolicited proposals process as a way to identify new projects for assistance by the Alliance. NEEA is looking for fresh, innovative ways to save electric energy in the region. The goal is to make products and services that use electricity more efficiently available and affordable to consumers and businesses in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. See NEEA's website for information on the criteria that proposals must meet to be accepted and how to submit your idea.

Maxwell Awards of Excellence for Affordable Housing Projects

The Fannie Mae Foundation creates affordable homeownership and housing opportunities through innovative partnerships and initiatives that build healthy, vibrant communities across the United States. The Maxwell Awards of Excellence program seeks to identify, recognize, and showcase the outstanding work of nonprofit organizations in developing and maintaining housing for low-income Americans. The program also encourages other corporations and foundations to become funding or investment partners in these endeavors. Grants are awarded annually to nonprofit organizations for having produced the best examples of low-income housing projects.

Minnesota's Blandin Foundation and Blandin Community Leadership Program

The mission of the Blandin Foundation is to strengthen rural Minnesota communities. The Foundation invests approximately $20 million annually in grant making, leadership training and convening programs. Current grantmaking focus areas include: Life-long Learning, Leadership, Diversity and Economic Opportunity. Only Minnesota nonprofit organizations or governmental agencies are eligible for these grants, and the foundation has a special focus on projects in the Grand Rapids and Itasca County area. Since 1985, the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP) has provided experiential leadership training for over 3,000 community leaders from 200+ rural Minnesota communities. The full program consists of three sessions: a six-day residential leadership retreat and two intensive follow-up workshops.

StEPP Foundation Grants for Renewable Energy and Efficiency Projects

The Colorado-based StEPP Foundation is a non-profit organization that has funding available for environmental projects around the country. The Foundation's primary mission is to increase the number of energy efficiency, renewable energy and pollution prevention projects implemented for the benefit of the public. The website includes an online application form for submitting project ideas.

Draper Richards Foundation Funding
for Social Entrepreneurs

The Draper Richards Foundation provides selected social entrepreneurs with funding of up to $100,000 annually for three years. The funds are specifically and solely for entrepreneurs starting new non-profit organizations. The projects selected will demonstrate innovative ways to solve existing social problems. The Foundation will accept proposals for a variety of public service areas, including, but not limited to, education, youth and families, the environment, arts, health, and community and economic development. Based on the structure of a venture capital fund, the Foundation offers financial support as well as strategic and organizational assistance.

The Oak Hill Fund

The Oak Hill Fund (OHF) was established in April 2002 to promote the well-being of mankind through effective and inspiring grantmaking. OHF's programs focus on the promotion of the principles of sustainable development as well as quality of life issues within the greater Charlottesville, Virginia community. Through its Environmentally Sustainable Affordable Design (ESAD) Program, the Oak Hill Fund supports four initiatives: initiatives in academic institutions that promote and encourage sustainability and affordability in residential design; initiatives in non-profits that focus on the incorporation of affordability and sustainability in residential design and construction; efforts in the Southeastern United States to provide the public with easy access to sustainable and affordable products and technology used in residential construction; supplemental grants ($10,000 or less) for non-profits in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District in Virginia to incorporate elements of ESAD upgrades into their facilities. The Oak Hill Fund uses an on-line grant application process that begins with submission of a letter of inquiry.

Bikes Belong Coalition Grants

Bikes Belong Coalition is sponsored by members of the American Bicycle Industry. Their mission is putting more people on bikes more often. The coalition seeks to assist local organizations, agencies, and citizens in developing bicycle facility projects that will be funded by TEA-21, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Bikes Belong Coalition will accept applications for grants of up to $10,000 each, and will consider successor grants for continuing projects, subject to our policy guidelines. Bikes Belong Coalition will consider grants from local organizations, agencies, and communities in developing bicycle facilities projects. Deadlines are quarterly.

Pathways to Nature Conservation Fund

The Pathways To Nature® Conservation Fund is a partnership between the more than 280 Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. franchises and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Pathways to Nature® Conservation Fund offers grants to enhance environmental education activities and bird and wildlife viewing opportunities at significant nature tourism destinations in the United States and Canada. Projects of interest include, but are not limited to, boardwalks, viewing platforms and blinds, educational displays, and interactive exhibits. All grant awards will be managed by the Foundation, and will include a mix of federal and private funds. Applicants must be capable of complying with regulations regarding management of federal funds. Grantees must match Pathways To Nature® Conservation Fund awards with a minimum 1:1 ratio of third party cash or contributed goods and services.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. EQIP may cost-share up to 75 percent of the costs of certain conservation practices. Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. However, limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for cost-shares up to 90 percent.

Massachusetts Green Building Initiative Public Education & Awareness Grants

The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Green Building Initiative is making available grants of up to $30,000 to support education and awareness activities relating to the qualities, attributes and benefits of completed green building projects that include renewable energy technologies and other renewable and energy efficiency features. Potential projects include workshops, displays and tours. Proposals may be submitted any time, and will be reviewed quarterly, beginning in July 2002. The solicitation is online in PDF format.

Earthwatch Institute RFP for Field Research

Earthwatch Institute is an international coalition of citizens and scientists working to promote sustainable conservation of our natural resources and cultural heritage by creating partnerships between scientists, educators, and the general public. The Center for Field Research receives, reviews and recommends projects for support by Earthwatch Institute, the funding organization. CFR will consider proposals for field research in any discipline that can gainfully employ nonspecialists in the implementation of a carefully constructed pure or applied research project. The Center encourage proposals that are interdisciplinary and/or transnational. Professionals from any nationality, for work in any geographic region, are eligible to apply. Grants range from $16,000-$32,000 annually, averaging $25,000. Preliminary proposals should be submitted 12-14 months in advance of anticipated field dates. Full proposals are invited upon review of preliminary materials and will be peer reviewed. Proposals are accepted and reviewed year-round.

Wisconsin Renewable Energy Program

The State of Wisconsin is making available a variety of incentives and grants to promote renewable energy through a statewide program launched in March 2002. Program offerings include a cash-back reward for installation of commercially available renewable energy technologies, a low-interest loan for qualified renewable energy equipment installed on eligible homes, Technical Feasibility Study Grants provinding cost sharing assistance for technical assessments of complex renewable energy projects and technologies, and a Demonstration Grant to provide cost-sharing assistance for demonstrations of commercially available renewable electric and thermal technologies and projects.

Ohio Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund

The Ohio Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund is a loan fund established to provide an incentive for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. It reduces the interest rate on standard bank loans for those qualifying Ohio residents and businesses that borrow money to implement an energy efficiency or renewable energy project. Any Ohio resident or small business that is a customer of one of the five participating investor-owned electric utilities and is considering securing a bank loan to pay for energy-related improvements or additions to their home or business should apply. Guidelines for the residential, business and institutional, and renewable energy programs are online.

Allstate Foundation Grants

Allstate Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that seek to improve the quality of life in communities across the country. In 2001, the Foundation allocated $7.1 million in grants across the country. Economic Empowerment and Safe and Vital Communities are among the foundation's focus areas. Proposals are accepted year-round.

EPA Smart Growth Funding Page

The Environmental Protection Agency offers a guide of funding resources to assist local and state governments, communities, and non-governmental organizations who are addressing the varied aspects of smart growth. The page includes funding sources for general smart growth issues, brownfields, transportation options, open space protection and rural/Native American communities.