Community Innovations Grant Program

The Community Innovations Grants Program provides funding for communities to increase voluntary support for clean energy and to build model sustainable communities. Cities, towns and municipalities are eligible to receive a grant of $4,000, which they will disperse to local groups and individuals as "micro-grants" of $250 to $2,000. To be eligible, cities or towns must commit to the state's "20% by 2010 Campaign" and the EPA Community Energy Challenge. Municipalities that have previously received a Community Innovations Grant are not eligible for this grant. At least 10 "at-large" recipients may receive a micro-grant of up to $1,000. “At-large” recipients include individuals who live in cities and towns that have not yet committed to the “20% by 2010” campaign, as well as non-profit organizations based in Connecticut. The grants are awarded to eligible communities, and the funds are managed by a local energy task force in each participating community. In turn, these energy task forces, through a grant-giving process, provide micro-grants to organizations and citizens to start local projects that support clean-energy awareness and education within their communities. Applicants for individual micro-grants may apply to the local energy task force for funds ranging from $250 to $2,000 to support a public-awareness project or education project addressing the benefits and availability of clean energy. The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority community search tool will let interested users know whether or not specific communities are eligible for a Community Innovations Grant or not. This program is supported by the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), which is funded via a surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills.