Program Intent
The City of Baltimore has committed $1 million in Stimulus funds to a competitive grant program for community and neighborhood organizations to reduce energy use. The Community Energy Savers Grant is designed to provide community groups with technical assistance and financial resources needed to reduce energy use, either by their organization or their target audience. These funds will further empower community and neighborhood organizations to contribute to the goals of the Baltimore Sustainability Plan. Passed as City Council Ordinance in 2009, the Baltimore Sustainability Plan (www.baltimoresustainability.org) outlines 29 goals, including a 15% reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2015. We extend an invitation to eligible entities to apply for funds to help Baltimore realize this vision for a sustainable future.
Eligible Entities
Community and neighborhood non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must be a qualified 501-c-3.
Eligible Uses
Three types of grants will be awarded.
Type 1 grants:
First, grants in the form of technical assistance will be awarded for applicants to conduct energy audits at their facilities. The findings of these audits will help applicants prioritize energy saving upgrades and retrofits and can be used as supporting documentation in subsequent grant applications for funds to implement such improvements. (If your facility has not yet had an energy audit, applying for technical assistance grants may be a good first step. Because there are three grant rounds, funds to implement improvements recommended in the energy audit can be applied for in subsequent rounds.)
Type 2 grants:
Second, grants up to $50,000* will be awarded for applicants to implement recommended energy saving upgrades and retrofits to their facilities and/or equipment. Results of a third-party energy audit and/or feasibility study including analysis of projected energy savings must accompany proposals for upgrades or retrofits. Proposals for upgrades and retrofits may include:
- Installation of insulation;
- Installation of efficient lighting,
- HVAC upgrades,
- High efficiency shower/faucet upgrades,
- Weather sealing,
- Purchase and installation of Energy Star appliances,
- Replacement of doors and windows, and
- Installation of solar powered, high efficiency appliances (this is different than renewable energy generation devices such as photovoltaic panels).
Type 3 grants:
Third, grants of up to $50,000* will be awarded for applicants to conduct public education and outreach activities that result in direct energy savings by their target audience. Proposals for public education and outreach activities may include:
- Design and operation of energy efficiency and conservation programs,
- Identification of effective methods for achieving maximum participation and efficiency rates,
- Public education,
- Measurement and verification protocols, and
- Identification of energy efficient technologies.
*If your grant request is $25,000 or more, please explain how certified minority and women-owned business enterprises will be involved in the execution of the project. A list of certified minority/women business enterprises can be found at http://cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/mwboo. In some instances, based on the proposal, a waiver may be granted because of the nature of specialty work, the lack of availability of MBE/WBEs to perform the work, etc. If a proposer thinks that it is impossible to utilize MBE/WBEs, an explanation must be included to support that position. In identifying firms in the directory, proposers may use some of the following words in the Service Description Box: green, LEED, lighting, sustainability, energy, solar, HVAC, and environment.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based upon:
- Predicted energy savings
- Potential to enhance economic and community development
- Extent to which it forwards the goals of the Baltimore Sustainability Plan
- Ability to leverage government, non-profit, utility, and private sector resources for increased impact and longevity of results
- Demonstrate a capable team to successfully implement the proposed project through inclusion of an experienced team and quality implementation plan
Timeline
Grants will be awarded in three rounds. Applications for either planning or full implementation grants are due on the following dates:
- First round – June 18, 2010
- Second round - December 8, 2010
Please note that the deadline for the second round has been extended from October 13 to December 8, 2010
- Third round – March 23, 2011
Application and Project Assistance
Application workshops will be held in June 2010, October 2010, and February 2011. These sessions will assist potential applicants in completing both the planning and full implementation applications and will include presentations from nonprofit organizations that have implemented energy saving programs. Proposal applications and more details on the application workshops are available at www.baltimoresustainability.org or www.baltimorecity.gov. Proposals can be submitted for review by any of three deadline dates.
Contact
Katie Igrec Lima, Baltimore Office of Sustainability, 410-396-4556, kathleen.igreclima@baltimorecity.gov or Sam Grillo, Baltimore City Department of General Services, Energy Division, 443–794–2371, sam.grillo@baltimorecity.gov.