K-12 Wind Schools Pilot
The Foundation is currently conducting a pilot program to test the feasibility of a full-scale Illinois Wind Schools initiative to make funding for educational small-scale (1-5kW) wind turbines more accessible. The pilot will be conducted during 2012 on a very limited basis and will award no more than five grants to K-12 schools that have demonstrated exceptional performance as recipients of Illinois Solar Schools grants.
Please see How to Apply to learn about preparing your Application and to get the latest information on deadlines.
| Application Deadlines: | Applications are due February 21, 2013. |
Review Process: | 3 months. The Foundation evaluates applications against the funding criteria below. Within three months of the above deadline, the Foundation's Grant Committee will award grants to some or all of the applicants. |
| Available Support: | Up to $40,000 or 90% of the system and its installation costs, whichever is less. The Foundation reserves the right to change funding levels and guidelines. |
| Restrictions: | The project must be wholly owned by an eligible applicant and cannot include ownership by private investors or commercial interests. |
Funding Guidelines
Criteria
To be eligible for consideration under the Wind K-12 Schools Pilot, the applicant organization must:- be a recipient of an Illinois Solar Schools grant
- be a K-12 educational institution
- have a completed and operating system under the Solar Schools program, with live data on www.IllinoisSolarSchools.org
- be willing to conduct and pay for a Wind Site Assessment carried out by a Midwest Renewable Energy Association Certified Wind Site Assessor (see http://www.mreacsa.org/ and What to expect from a Wind Site Assessment Report)
- have a suitable site for proper wind turbine installation and operation, based on the Wind Site Assessment
- co-fund a minimum of 10% of the turbine system installation costs
- hold a "Wind Celebration" and make a commitment to teach about wind and solar energy in the classroom
- commit to educate the community about wind and solar energy