Funding & Financing for Nonprofits
Explore energy efficiency funding and financing solutions that fit your needs. Whether you're planning efficiency upgrades, electrification projects, or sustainable expansions, the Building Energy Hub connects you with a curated suite of financial tools designed to make improvements both feasible and cost-effective. Explore tailored offerings and detailed eligibility requirements and application processes by clicking “Learn More”. The Hub also has several recorded webinars with speakers from organizations offering funding tools so you can get clarity on all aspects of the funding process. If you're unsure which path fits your building or operations best, our Help Desk is ready to guide you step-by-step.
Illinois Energy Office Energy Efficiency Assessment Program
This program awards funding to public housing authorities, local governments, or nonprofit organizations to conduct energy efficiency assessments at eligible properties. Awards will range from $5,000 to $60,000. A completed energy efficiency assessment can help identify areas for future investment and is a criteria item of the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program.
Application period opens September 22.
Illinois Energy Office Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program
Illinois EPA Office of Energy will award funding to public housing authorities, units of local government, or nonprofit organizations for implementation of energy efficiency projects at properties benefiting residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal program. This program provides funding for single family residences and multifamily properties of up to 40 dwelling units. Upgrades must have been identified in an energy efficiency assessment conducted within the last 5 years. Awards range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Application period opens September 22.
Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund
The Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF) program offers low-interest Bridge Loans to nonprofits, public entities, and commercial building owners in order to finance clean energy projects, such as building electrification, energy storage, and distributed generation, while addressing funding gaps caused by delays in receiving federal direct pay tax credits and Illinois Solar for All incentives. Apply for the EE RLF Bridge Loan here: Pre-application Link
Illinois Solar for All: Non-Profit and Public Facilities
Illinois Solar for All is a state program that makes solar energy more affordable for income-eligible residents and the organizations that serve them. Eligible participants can receive affordable solar installations or community solar subscriptions and save money on electric bills. The program ensures that participants work with qualified and vetted solar companies, called Approved Vendors.
A qualified Critical Service Provider is a non-profit or public entity that offers critical services to income-eligible or environmental justice communities. View the list of Critical Services Providers to see if your type of organization is qualified.
ComEd Energy Efficiency Program: Small Business and Facilities
ComEd customers that operate smaller businesses and facilities (peak demand under 400 kW) are eligible for incentives on energy-saving projects in their buildings. Building owners can submit an interest form and get matched with a ComEd-approved Service Provider that will complete an energy assessment, compile a list of recommendations, and coordinate project delivery. The Service Provider can also apply ComEd incentives to bring project costs down. The program applies to existing buildings looking to pursue energy efficiency upgrades.
ComEd Facility Assessments
ComEd can help find energy-saving opportunities, whether it's lights, HVAC system, chillers, or motors. An approved energy engineer will either conduct an in-person or virtual Facility Assessment to identify energy-efficiency opportunities. Within three to four weeks, you will receive a report detailing energy efficiency projects that you can start working on immediately. Each recommendation will include estimated energy savings, cost savings, project cost, potential incentives, and simple payback.
ComEd Retro-Commissioning
An authorized Energy Efficiency Service Provider will perform a fully-funded study of your facility’s energy management systems to identify low-cost operational improvements. You can save an average of 5-15% on annual energy costs and may also qualify for incentives or additional savings through your natural gas utility’s partnership with ComEd.
Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program
The Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers incentives for commercial customers to reduce energy consumption through efficiency improvements to their systems and equipment. The program supports commercial, industrial, and small and midsize businesses.
Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program
Nicor offers multiple resources for customers looking to complete energy efficiency projects. Businesses can receive free assessments and products, rebates for select energy efficiency projects, and custom incentives for projects that do not fall under the standard list of rebates. Nicor’s Emerging Technology program also seeks to bring new energy efficient technology into the market.
