DSIRE

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.  Established in 1995, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The database of grants and incentives is a very good source of current grants available to all market segments.  From homeowners to city officials, DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and Federal grants and incentives that promote renewable energy.  Information is easily accessible by moving your cursor to the appropriate state of interest and clicking.

Grants.gov

Grants.gov was established as a governmental resource named the E-Grants Initiative, part of a larger initiative started in 2000 to improve government services to the public.  The Department of Health and Human Resources is the managing agency of Grants.gov and has its origins in the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999, now known as the Grants Policy Committee (GPC).

The government portal is very easy to use, at which, the researcher can search by key words, category or agency.  The site is updated regularly and provides all necessary tools for the grant writer and owner.

Kresage Foundation

Private foundations like the Kresage Foundation are among the best sources of green construction grants. Since the organizations founding in 1924, they have provided continuous philanthropic support to the Detroit area’s nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.  The Foundation has been currently offering grants under their Challenge Grant Program, Detroit & Arts Support Programs and Green Building Initiative Program.

The Green Building Grant is specifically geared toward the area of planning and design. This Grant Program uses its funding to advance environmental sustainability through green design and construction. Planning grants cover some of the costs associated with planning a green building. The program encourages nonprofit organizations working in the health, arts and culture, education, and human services fields to consider sustainable design and construction for the first time. The initiative, which was launched in 2003, has awarded more than $7 million in planning grants.

California Solar Initiative

California has set a goal to create 3,000 megawatts of new, solar-produced electricity by 2017. This will help move the state toward a cleaner energy future and help to lower the cost of solar installations for our customers.

The California Public Utilities Commission created the California Solar Initiative to provide an incentive to homeowners, businesses and non-profit agencies based upon their solar systems’ actual or expected performance.  Incentives are administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and California Center for Sustainable Energy.