Sustainable Development Grants
Grants to support sustainable development projects can relate to a number of different topics. For example, clean energy and renewable energy are part of sustainable development, so many grant programs support research or development of infrastructure that allows a community or city to access clean energy. At the same time, sustainable development can also relate to agriculture programs that aim to make the relationship of food producers to the earth one that benefits the growers and consumers without destroying the bounty of the soil, so that future generations can benefit from plentiful food too. Finally, grants are also available for the study of topics related to sustainable development, such as urban planning, forestry, green design and green energy.
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Green Energy Grants
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State governments are a useful source of grant dollars related to green energy initiatives. Whether you are looking to install a solar hot water heater or planning to build an office building that relies on wind energy, you should check with your state government to see whether some of the funds from the U.S. Department of Energy have been distributed to relevant programs in your state. For example, the state of California runs a solar water heater state rebate program where single-family residential systems that displace use of electricity can qualify homeowners to receive up to $1,250. Funding is available through 2017, and incentives are available retroactively too, for systems installed any time after July 15, 2009.
Tribal Grants
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The U.S. Department of Energy also offers assistance with developing renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies to interested parties on tribal lands. Specifically, the program provides financial assistance and technical assistance along with education and training to tribes interested in developing renewable energy resources as well as taking measures to be more energy-efficient. About $10 million is available for these solicitations; funding is available through a competitive process.
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Community and Environment Revitalization Grants
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A number of foundations offer funding for organizations working to make communities more socially and environmentally equitable. For example, the Surdna Foundation offers grants of on average $125,000, aiming to promote more efficient, economically sound, environmentally beneficial and equitable use of land and natural resources. The foundation takes a particular focus on cities that are losing population, jobs and wealth, supporting efforts that enhance the quality of life in urban places. To get funding from Surdna, submit a letter of inquiry; Surdna will invite select applicants to submit full proposals.
Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Grants
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The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition provides an excellent online resource on grants related to sustainable energy, conservation, agriculture and other topics. For example, financial assistance is available for producers working on delivering biomass to biomass conversion facilities; for producers to help them conserve and enhance soil, water, air and related natural resources on private property; for organic producers or those transitioning to organic practices; and for rural small businesses and agricultural producers who would like to purchase and install energy-efficiency improvements.
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References
- Photo Credit organic tomatoes with organic label in clear focus image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com
