Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
Providing financial support for clean energy projects in Illinois for over 20 years.
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation was established in December 1999 as an independent foundation with a $225 million endowment provided by Commonwealth Edison. Our mission is to improve energy efficiency, advance the development and use of renewable energy resources, and protect natural areas and wildlife habitat in communities all across Illinois.
Information updated as of March 15, 2023.
Energy Program Updates
K-12 Solar Schools Grant Program – The application is closed.
Contact Gabriela Martin, Program Director, by email or phone at (312) 372-5191 if you are interested in applying for any of the grants listed below.
The grant application is open until August 24th, 2023. Please click here to start the application process.
Municipal police stations, fire stations, and public agencies supplying water, can apply for grants that help pay for solar electric panels with battery energy storage systems. These systems can allow facilities providing critical infrastructure to continue operating during emergencies and reduce electricity purchases from the grid during non-emergency periods.
The grant application is open until August 24th, 2023. Please click here to start the application process.
This program aims to support the installation of photovoltaic (PV) installations at qualified local government or non-profit owned Nature Centers. ICECF looks to fund projects that express an interest in renewable energy as a system for power AND as a medium for teaching about sustainable energy use.
The grant application is open until August 24th, 2023. Please click here to start the application process for Solar Thermal, Biomass, Advancing Renewable Energy or Emerging Technology programs.
The Foundation is not considering any new Net Zero applications or projects at this time.
It will be evaluating the program’s results and lessons learned.
The Foundation is not considering any new Net Zero applications or projects at this time.
It will be evaluating the program’s results and lessons learned.
Natural Areas Program Updates
Community Stewardship Challenge Grant & Land Acquisition applications are currently open until July 20, 2023. Please visit the webpages for the program requirements.
Effective immediately, the following Natural Areas programs will no longer be offered:
- Capacity Building
- Planning for Land Acquisition
- Pollinator Meadows
- K-12 Pollinator Schools
- Public Amenities and Events
All active grants previously awarded under these programs will remain active with no changes to their requirements.
Additionally, the Foundation will no longer consider projects seeking to purchase conservation easements through its Land Acquisition program.
Contact Brad Hanzel, Program Officer, by email or phone at (630) 603-9410 if you are interested in applying for Community Stewardship or Land Acquisition.
Effective immediately, this program will no longer be offered.
- All active grants previously awarded under this program will remain active with no changes to their requirements.
The grant application is currently open until July 20th, 2023. Please click here to start the application process.
Effective immediately, this program will no longer be offered.
- All active grants previously awarded under this program will remain active with no changes to their requirements.
The grant application is currently open until July 20th, 2023. Please click here to start the application process.
- The Foundation will no longer consider projects seeking to purchase conservation easements through its Land Acquisition Program.
Effective immediately, this program will no longer be offered.
- All active grants previously awarded under this program will remain active with no changes to their requirements.
Effective immediately, this program will no longer be offered.
- All active grants previously awarded under this program will remain active with no changes to their requirements.
Grant Project Updates
The Foundation periodically publishes updates of both active and past grant projects related to natural areas. View all Grants Awarded.