Grants for Rental Weatherization

Federal weatherization grants help to lower utility costs.

Several federal agencies provide weatherization grants for low-income housing rentals. These grant programs help low-income families reduce the cost of their utility bills with energy-efficient systems and appliances. Funding also helps to improve low-income housing stock across the country. You can find out how to apply for a federal grant on the Grants.gov website.

Home Depot Foundation

The Home Depot Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations committed to adminstering low-income housing programs. Grants up to $5,000 can be used for weatherization work. Organizations that provide housing for seniors, people with disabilities or veterans are given a priority during the application process. Home Depot gift cards are provided to the organizations, which they can use to pay for tools, materials and services. You must be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with at least one year of experience to apply for a grant. The weatherization work must be completed within six months of receiving the grant award.

Green Retrofit Grants

Under the Recovery Act of 2009, the Department of Housing and Urban Development provided $250 million to low-income housing developments to implement green retrofits. Federally-assisted housing owners can use the grant money to upgrade appliances to EnergyStar appliances, or to install formaldehyde-free bathroom cabinets or low-flow showers and toilets. The funding is intended to improve the quality of life for low-income housing residents, and create green jobs to stimulate the economy. The Green Retrofit Grant Program is estimated to produce a 25 percent savings in utility costs.

Weatherization Assistance Program

HUD and the Department of Energy have formed a partnership to provide weatherization services to low-income families and low-income landlords. Families can qualify for up to $6,500 to weatherize their home. Typical weatherization measures include installing insulation and repairing heating and cooling systems. Weatherization work is estimated to provide $350 in savings per household on an annual basis. To qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, the family's total household income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Low-income housing landlords can qualify for $6,500 per housing unit if at least 66 percent of the families in the building have incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Weatherization Innovation Pilot Program

The Department of Energy's Weatherization Innovation Program was implemented in 2010 to provide whole-house weatherization for low-income families. $30 million was provided to 16 pilot programs across the country to bring weatherization work to income-qualified households. Similar to the Weatherization Assistance Program, the Innovation Program aims to reduce the costs of utility bills through new materials and non-traditional weatherization technologies. The goal of the program is also to create green jobs in low-income communities.

References

• Home Depot Foundation: Community Impact Grants Program
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD Announces Recovery Act Green Retrofit Grant For Senior Housing in Revere, MA
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Multifamily Weatherization Initiative Fact Sheet
• U.S. Department of Energy: Weatherization Innovation Pilot Program