Grant Funding Available to Nonprofits, Community Organizations, and Small Businesses Through City’s 2023 Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting (SEEL) Program

Bloomington, Ind.– The City of Bloomington’s Department of Economic and Sustainable Development is providing grant funding of up to $25,000 and technical assistance for organizations and small businesses to improve building efficiency and install solar through the 2023 Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting (SEEL) Program. Nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses are invited to apply beginning January 18. 

Nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, libraries, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and small businesses with under 500 full-time employees that own at least one facility that is at least 3,000 square feet within city limits are eligible to participate. If an organization rents its facility, the organization is eligible to participate with permission to participate in the program from the property owner. 

The SEEL program will offer two grant tracks for applicants in 2023- energy efficiency or solar grants. The energy efficiency grant track will provide matching grants of $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, as well as sponsor the cost of an energy assessment (valued at $3,000) to be performed by IFF. Eligible projects for energy efficiency grant funding include LED conversion or upgrades, ventilation and cooling upgrades (including HVAC), and water heater upgrades. Organizations completing solar projects will receive a solar feasibility assessment from the SEEL program partner, MPI Solar, and a $25,000 grant for an 8 kW minimum solar system installation or addition. 

Any remaining energy efficiency or solar project costs can either be covered by capital from the organization or financed through low-interest loans from IFF or Hoosier Hills Credit Union. Connections to additional financing options can be secured through CDFI Friendly Bloomington if needed. Additional rebates and tax incentives, including federal and state tax credits and incentives, are also available. 

Organizations are invited to apply for participation in the SEEL program beginning January 18. Twenty energy efficiency and twenty solar grants will be available through the 2023 program, with application forms accepted on a rolling basis until the cohort application deadlines. Past participants in the SEEL program are encouraged to apply. 

Prospective funding applicants to the SEEL program are invited to learn more by attending a hybrid information session on January 18 at 12 pm via Zoom or at City Hall in the McCloskey Conference Room. Register for the information session at: https://bton.in/rCV6a

More information about the program and the application form link is available at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/seel. Questions about the program should be directed to sustain@bloomington.in.gov. 

The 2023 program is a collaboration among the City of Bloomington Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, MPI Solar, IFF, and Hoosier Hills Credit Union.

About MPI Solar

MPI Solar is a family-owned local business providing customized solar energy system design installation and service for homes and businesses throughout south central Indiana since 2008.

About IFF

IFF is a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institutions) and a mission-driven lender whose goal is to create opportunities for nonprofits and other community institutions such as schools, libraries, medical facilities, and grocery stores. IFF works alongside nonprofit leaders to plan, finance, and build facilities that are critical to their mission. 

About Hoosier Hills Credit Union

Hoosier Hills Credit Union is a member-owned cooperative that provides financial services for businesses, individuals, and families with the goal of making a positive difference in the lives of its members and in the communities they serve.

About CDFI Friendly Bloomington

CDFI Friendly Bloomington is a nonprofit organization serving Bloomington, IN, and the Indiana Uplands region with a new strategy developed for the unique challenges of smaller communities to increase flexible and affordable financing for businesses, nonprofits, affordable housing, and community projects.