Other Renewables

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation supports projects in categories where incentives are determined on a case-by-case basis: Solar Thermal, Biomass, Advancing Renewable Energy, and Emerging Technologies.

Solar Thermal technology can provide hot water, heating, and cooling for buildings.

Biomass projects use materials such as wood, energy crops, food and animal waste, that are turned into useful energy using a variety of processes, including combustion, gasification, anaerobic digestion, etc.

Projects in the Advancing Renewable Energy program, may include assistance with purchasing specialized renewable energy hardware for the implementation of hands-on training programs at colleges and universities.

The Emerging Technologies program supports renewable energy technologies that are not yet widely used in Illinois.

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Eligibility & Funding

Applicants

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • Local government agencies serving Illinois residents
  • Colleges and Universities

ALL applicants are required to provide a letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming their Employer Identification Number (EIN). 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations must additionally provide an IRS Tax Determination Letter, which may contain the EIN information, and Form AG 990-IL, the IL Charitable Annual Report.

Criteria

The Foundation gives priority to projects that:

  • Have secured all additional funding
  • Feature a strong education and outreach component, including permanent educational signage, displays, and other publicity materials

The Foundation adheres to the definition of renewable energy adopted in the Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Coal Development Law of 1997: The Law states that: “renewable energy resources” includes energy from wind, solar thermal energy, photovoltaic cells and panels, dedicated crops grown for energy production and organic waste biomass, hydropower that does not involve new construction or significant expansion of hydropower dams, and other such alternative sources of environmentally preferable energy. “Renewable energy resources” does not include, however, energy from the incineration, burning or heating of waste wood, tires, garbage, general household institutional and commercial waste, industrial lunchroom or office waste, landscape waste, or construction or demolition debris.

Funding Guidelines

Funding for Solar Thermal is limited to up to $100 per square foot of collector area or up to 50% of the project cost, whichever is less.

Funding for all other projects is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The grant process is competitive. Some projects may be awarded at lower levels than requested; others may be declined altogether.

How to Apply

Deadlines

  • February 23, 2023 – CLOSED
  • August 24, 2023

Application Process

Please contact the Foundation before submitting an application.

Complete the online application, the required attachments, and submit.

Required Attachments:

  • Please download, complete and save the Solar Thermal & Other Renewables Application Form
  • Please download, complete and save the Standard Line Item Budget Form
  • Estimate/Bid with costs, equipment specifications, and warranty information
  • Current Year Summary Budget
  • Financial Statements for the most recent fiscal year (include Statement of Net Assets and Statements of Activities, Notes to the Financial Statements)
  • Internal Revenue Service Documentation Confirming your Employer Identification Number (EIN), usually a 147c letter
  • Internal Revenue Service Tax Determination Letter (for 501(c)(3)s)
  • Form AG 990-IL, the IL Charitable Organization Annual Report (for 501(c)(3)s)

A confirmation e-mail is sent after the application is received.

The Foundation may follow up with additional questions for applicants.

Award Process

The Foundation’s review process can take three months or longer. The grant award process is competitive. Some projects may be awarded at lower levels than requested; others may be declined altogether.

Resources