Grants

1. Illinois Solar School and Illinois Wind Schools Grant

How do I apply for a grant?

Applications for both Illinois Solar Schools and Illinois Wind Schools grants are submitted electronically through the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation’s website.

How does the installation process work?

We have prepared a downloadable document that explains the process in detail.

What does a PV system installation grant cover?

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation provides up to $6,700 or 90% (whichever is less) of the PV system’s cost and installation, as well as web-based monitoring to provide real-time data on the amount of electricity generated. Illinois Clean Energy also partners with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to coordinate project installation. Teachers from schools receiving grants are eligible to attend curricular development workshops sponsored by Illinois Clean Energy. These workshops are held several times a year.

What does a wind turbine installation grant cover?

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation supports up to $40,000 or 90% (whichever is less) of the system cost and installation, as well as web-based monitoring to provide real-time data on the amount of electricity generated. Illinois Clean Energy also partners with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to coordinate project installation. Teachers from schools receiving grants are eligible to attend curricular development workshops sponsored by Illinois Clean Energy. These workshops are held twice a year.

How can I find more information or ask questions?

Additional information such as teaching resources as well as renewable energy information resources can be found on the Teacher Resources page.

For schools that have received grants, but have not yet installed their systems:

Grantees and potential applicants can visit Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation’s website and can also ask questions by calling the Foundation at 312-372-5191.

What is the timing for grant decisions and project installation?

The K-12 Solar School Program has two grant cycles. Summer Cycle grant applications are generally accepted in August. Winter Cycle grant applications are generally accepted in February. Project installation may start immediately after execution of a grant agreement. Grant applicants are notified of their acceptance or denial within 3 months. Recipients are encouraged to install their systems in the summer before the start of the new school year, but must complete the project by the end of the grant period (12 months)

2. What Is The Energizing Student Potential Program?

The Exelon Foundation, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, and BP America, in partnership with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, are launching Energizing Student Potential, a STEM-focused energy program for grades 5 - 8 in their respective customer regions in Illinois and Indiana. This program brings together Illinois and Indiana standards-based curriculum for use in the classroom or in afterschool programs in public and private schools and the resources of the region’s largest energy companies. The program will help schools meet Next Generation Science Standards goals and more.

Energizing Student Potential is designed to help educators bring energy into the classroom and to provide all the tools and resources necessary for students and teachers to learn together, explore energy together, and teach their local communities about energy. The program begins with an energizing two-day workshop in the fall and culminates with a Celebration of Energy at which participating schools share the community education programs and the STEM projects they have completed throughout the year.

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