The City of Chicago Climate Infrastructure Fund is accepting grant applications to support neighborhood projects that mitigate the effects of climate change and accelerate the city’s equitable transition to the green economy. 

Individual grants from approximately $50,000 to $250,000 are available through the fund to support capital investments in energy efficiency projects, electric vehicles, and green infrastructure. 

Grants will be allocated to help achieve the City’s Climate Action Plan goal of reducing greenhouse emissions by 62% by 2040, with priority given to proposals located in environmental justice communities.  

Grant applications should be submitted under one of the three categories below: 

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Systems 

Proposals may include efficiency upgrades to a building’s existing energy systems and/or installation of renewable energy systems or components. Projects that incorporate energy efficiency improvements into a comprehensive building renovation should instead consider applying for a Community Development Grant or Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant.

Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Charging Infrastructure  

Proposals may include the purchase of zero-emission electric vehicles and the installation of EV charging infrastructure for private and/or public use.  

Green Infrastructure (GI) 

Proposals may include stormwater management systems that diverts water from the city’s sewers, including native plantings and soil, permeable pavement, rain gardens, green roofs and related projects, especially in flood-prone portions of the city. 

Projects seeking funding under more than one category must submit separate applications for each category. 

ELIGIBILITY FACTORS 

• Eligible costs may include pre-development (e.g. energy assessment, site planning, design) and capital expenses associated with the installation of eligible climate-related improvements.
• Grants can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, capped at the award amount.
• Applicants may be Chicago non-profit organizations and small businesses, with priority given to projects located in environmental justice communities. 
• Prioritization will be given to projects with documented climate mitigation and resiliency improvements, equity impacts and project readiness. 
• Property ownership is preferred but not required. Tenants must demonstrate legal permission from landlords to make capital investments.  
• Preferred projects will demonstrate capacity to initiate improvements in 2024. 
• Operational and maintenance costs are not eligible for grant assistance. 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted via the Chicago Department of Planning and Development universal application by August 18, 2023.  

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