Note: For the Renewable Energy January 21, 2016, competitive grant cycle, the only Renewable Energy grant applications being accepted are for Solar Thermal, Biomass, Advancing Renewable Energy and Emerging Technologies. or the Energy Efficiency January 21, 2016, competitive grant cycle, only Water Energy Efficiency Program grant applications are being accepted. Please visit the program website listed above in early 2016 for additional information.

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) was established in December 1999 as an independent foundation with a $225 million endowment provided by Commonwealth Edison. The ICECF invests in clean-energy development and land-preservation efforts, working with communities and citizens to improve environmental quality in Illinois. The ICECF provides competitive grants to programs and projects that improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy resources, and preserve and enhance natural areas and wildlife habitats in Illinois. Since 2001 the Foundation has awarded approximately 4,700 grants totaling $226 million.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Grants

Grants support both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including wind, solar (both solar thermal and solar electric applications), biomass, fuel cells, and other forms of distributed generation, although funding for specific technologies varies depending on the grant cycle. Award amounts will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account cost-effectiveness of the project, project innovation, simple project payback, other sources of funding and owner contribution. 

Financial support is provided for programs and projects that benefit the public by:

• Demonstrating and promoting the innovative use of currently available technology and strategies to advance clean energy and land conservation
• Incorporating wherever possible energy efficiency, renewable energy, and preserving natural areas
• Becoming influential examples that teach and motivate change
  

Application Process

Visit the ICECF grant application website to find out about currently available and upcoming grants.

Grant cycles and application deadlines vary depending on the project. The ICECF will notify applicants whether to submit a full proposal. When applicants are invited to submit a full proposal, the ICECF will specify what information to include, as well as the supporting documents that must be submitted.

K-12 Solar Schools Program and K-12 Wind Schools Program

The ICECF also administers the K-12 Solar Schools Program and the K-12 Wind Schools Program. These programs turn school buildings into hands-on science experiments, helping teachers to instruct students about science, math, technology, the environment and other important topics. 

These programs are targeted grant programs with separate guidelines, deadlines, and application forms. Proposals for the K-12 Wind Schools Program and the K-12 Solar Schools Program are only considered in February. Since 2006, ICECF has awarded over $2,100,000 in grants to over 220 schools to support the installation of 1-kW solar PV systems. ICECF has developed a dedicated website for this program.

The K-12 Solar Schools Program provides grants for the installation of 1 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout Illinois at institutions serving grades K-12. The K-12 Wind Schools Program provides grants to support the installation of 1-5 kW wind turbines throughout Illinois at institutions serving grades K-12. The K-12 Wind Schools