Funding & Financing for Nonprofits

Illinois Energy Office Energy Efficiency Assessment Program

The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program provides funding to public housing authorities, local governments, or nonprofit organizations to conduct energy efficiency assessments at properties benefiting residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal program.

A professional energy assessor or auditor conducts a site inspection and evaluates the residence to identify energy equipment, structural, and behavioral inefficiencies. Examples of recommendations found in the final report from an energy efficiency assessment can include installing programmable thermostats, adding insulation, or upgrading lighting fixtures.

Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program

The Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers incentives for commercial customers to reduce energy consumption through efficiency improvements to their systems and equipment. The program supports commercial, industrial, and small and midsize businesses.



Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) are now accepting pre-applications for the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF) program. This initiative offers low-interest Bridge Loans to nonprofits, public entities, and commercial building owners in order to finance clean energy projects, such as building electrification, energy storage, and distributed generation, while addressing funding gaps caused by delays in receiving federal direct pay tax credits and Illinois Solar for All incentives.

Check if you can apply for the EE RLF Bridge Loan here: Pre-application Link

Illinois Solar for All: Non-Profit and Public Facilities

Illinois Solar for All is a state program that makes solar energy more affordable for income-eligible residents and the organizations that serve them. Eligible participants can receive affordable solar installations or community solar subscriptions and save money on electric bills. The program ensures that participants work with qualified and vetted solar companies, called Approved Vendors.

A qualified Critical Service Provider is a non-profit or public entity that offers critical services to income-eligible or environmental justice communities. View the list of Critical Services Providers to see if your type of organization is qualified.

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program: Small Business and Facilities

ComEd customers that operate smaller businesses and facilities (peak demand under 400 kW) are eligible for incentives on energy-saving projects in their buildings. Building owners can submit an interest form and get matched with a ComEd-approved Service Provider that will complete an energy assessment, compile a list of recommendations, and coordinate project delivery. The Service Provider can also apply ComEd incentives to bring project costs down. The program applies to existing buildings looking to pursue energy efficiency upgrades.

Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program

Nicor offers multiple resources for customers looking to complete energy efficiency projects. Businesses can receive free assessments and products, rebates for select energy efficiency projects, and custom incentives for projects that do not fall under the standard list of rebates. Nicor’s Emerging Technology program also seeks to bring new energy efficient technology into the market.