External Funding Opportunities:
Information on external funding opportunities for climate and energy initiatives for which local governments are eligible recipients.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Portals
The California Air Resources Board’s Funding Wizard combs the internet weekly for funding opportunities to help support a sustainable future.
The California Grants Portal has just launched! All new state-administered grant and loan opportunities offered on a competitive or first-come basis will be posted here.
Empower Innovation is an initiative of the California Energy Commission, in partnership with leading California technology accelerators, fellowship programs, nonprofits, and private partners.
The Empower Innovation Network is managed by Guidehouse and iCatalysts.
Ongoing Funding Opportunities
The California Strategic Growth Council supports healthy, thriving, and resilient communities for all by providing various funding programs.
California Energy Commission
The Energy Commission will accept loan applications on a first-come, first-served basis for projects with proven energy savings
Eligible for 0% Interest Rate loans:
- School district
- Charter school
- County office of education
- State special school
- Community college district
Eligible for 1% Interest Rate Loans:
- Cities
- Counties
- Special Districts
- Public College or University (except community colleges)
- Public Care Institutions/ Public Hospitals
- University of California and
- California State University
Residential, commercial, and/or private non-profit institutions are not eligible for these funds.
Click here to learn more about Energy Commission financing.
California iBank
The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) is the State of California’s only general-purpose financing authority. The Legislature created IBank in 1994 to finance public infrastructure and private development that promote a healthy climate for jobs, contribute to a strong economy, and improve the quality of life in California communities.
IBank’s current programs include the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program; Bond Financing Program, including: 501(c)(3) Bonds, Industrial Development Bonds; Exempt Facility Bonds; and Public Agency Revenue Bonds; as well as the Small Business Finance Center. In addition, IBank created the California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs Center – CLEEN Center – to help meet the State’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals.
Click here to learn more about California iBank financing.
The Energy Commission’s electricity innovation investments follow an energy innovation pipeline program design, funding applied research and development, technology demonstration and deployment, and market facilitation to create new energy solutions, foster regional innovation, and bring clean energy ideas to the marketplace.
Click here to find opportunities for funding your local project at the California Energy Commission.
Previously, the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative collected some of the most prominent financing and funding sources for energy efficiency for a diverse range of applicants, including but not limited to local governments, nonprofits, small businesses, and residential homeowners. The resources on this website were identified through online research and interviews with program implementers.