The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (the 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 across Illinois.
The Foundation is not accepting new grant applications. All previously awarded grants will be funded subject to the provisions of each grant agreement.
The Foundation is proud of the positive impact it has had on efficient, renewable energy and natural areas preservation in Illinois. Foundation grants have supported clean energy and open lands activities in 101 of the 102 counties in Illinois. From inception through October 31, 2023, the Foundation has awarded $351 million to Illinois schools, municipalities, local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. It awarded 3,617 energy efficiency grants, 725 renewable energy grants, 16 net zero energy building grants, three net zero energy wastewater treatment plant grants and 716 natural areas grants. The Foundation has co-funded projects that protected more than 35,000 acres of natural areas and wildlife habitat in Illinois.