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HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT

Application Process for Competitive Grant Cycles
The first step in the application process is submitting a letter of inquiry for Competitive Grant Requests with grant deadlines of January 20, 2009 or July 20, 2009. A letter of inquiry may be no longer than three pages. It must describe the proposed project, explain the need for the project and summarize the total project expenses and proposed sources of funding, including the specific amount requested from the Foundation.

Following review of letters of inquiry, the Foundation will notify all applicants if they have been selected to submit a full proposal. When the Foundation invites a full proposal, it will specify what information the proposal should include and the supporting documents that must be submitted with the proposal.

Application Process for Targeted Grant Programs
The first step in the application process for all other grant programs such as Lighting Upgrade Grant Requests is submitting a completed application for the targeted program along with the following attachments that must accompany the application form in order for it to be complete:

1. A list of the exact number of each type of lighting fixture to be upgraded, showing the rated wattage of each fixture type currently and the wattage of each fixture type after the upgrade has been completed. While this list may be generated through a lighting or energy efficiency audit, neither type of audit is required to apply for a grant through these programs. Please note that the installation of screw-in compact fluorescent lamp is not an eligible permanent upgrade.

2. A cover letter on organization letterhead that is signed by an authorized representative of the organization and includes the following information:
   • an explanation of how the organization would pay for the portion of the lighting upgrade project costs not covered by the requested grant, if any;
   • an explanation of the need for the lighting upgrade;
   • the estimated timeline for completing the lighting upgrade;
   • a description of planned educational efforts to inform facility users and/or the general public in your community about the lighting upgrade and the benefits of energy efficiency; and

   • a description of how the cost savings will be used that result from the lighting upgrade.

3. An IRS charitable tax determination letter if the organization applying for the grant is not a public agency. If Legal Name and organization name on IRS letter are not the same, explain the relationship between them.

Eligible Applicants
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation provides funding to charitable (federally recognized 501c3) nonprofit organizations and local government agencies serving Illinois residents.

Ineligible Activities
The Foundation will not provide funding for remediation of environmentally impaired properties; technology research; promotion of proprietary products; reoccurring operating costs; political campaigns or lobbying; capital campaigns or support for an organization's endowment; or projects undertaken by individuals.