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Page last updated on March 27, 2024 at 4:10 pm

About the 2024 Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting (SEEL) Program

The 2024 SEEL program provides grant funding and technical assistance for nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses to improve building efficiency and install solar. Eligible projects for funding under the 2024 SEEL program fall into two project types, energy efficiency or solar grants. See below for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

 

Start an application on the online portal

 

Application Deadlines

  • Solar Projects: Applications for solar projects will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funding for the 2024 program year has been allocated. The program will support up to 6 nonprofits and 6 small businesses.
  • Energy Efficiency Projects: Applications for energy efficiency will be accepted on a rolling basis but applicants will be placed in one of 3 cohorts based on date of application submission. Cohorts will determine when you will be able to schedule a site visit for your energy assessment (if applicable) and when your funding will be able to be processed. 
    • Cohort 1: Application deadline April 19, 2024 
    • Cohort 2: Application deadline May 17, 2024
    • Cohort 3: Application deadline June 14, 2024 

For an overview of the application and participation process, please see the "How to Apply" instructions attached below and reference the flowchart in the pages below for each grant type. For additional information about the program, please email sustain@bloomington.in.gov. 

 

Eligible Organizations

  • Nonprofits: tax exempt (501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6)) organizations are eligible for the program. Employee benefit associations, social welfare organizations, and business leagues are also eligible. 
    • Religious organizations are eligible to participate, but may be limited in their eligibility to receive loan financing from our program partner, IFF. If the organization is interested in receiving a loan to help support their project, CDFI, HHCU, and CCU are alternative financing partners. 
  • Schools: schools must be categorized as tax exempt charitable organizations. 
  • Early Childhood Centers: child care centers or early education centers must be categorized as not for profit organizations. 
  • Libraries: libraries must be categorized as tax-exempt. 
  • Healthcare facilities: healthcare facilities must be categorized as not for profit organizations.
  • Grocery stores: grocery stores must be categorized as nonprofit organizations.
  • Businesses: Small businesses are defined as those having less than 500 full-time employees, and meet the additional qualifications below. 
  • Multifamily complexes (NEW 2024): Multifamily residential complexes that meet the criteria of a small business and additional qualifications below. 

 

Eligible organizations must also meet the following criteria:

  • Own or rent a facility located within Bloomington city limits. Check if you are located in City limits by visiting bloomington.in.gov/mybloomington/ and entering the address of the facility you would like to participate. 
    • LEASED FACILITIES: If you lease the building you are applying for, you will be required to have the facility owner/property management company complete a Building Owner Disclosure Form and Agreement. Small business qualification will be determined based on the owner of the facility.
  • Have at least one part or full time staff member to serve as the program point of contact. 
    • If the organization would like to have a representative serve as the liaison to manage communication, they may be listed in the initial application but it is required for staff to be involved at the start of the process. 
  • Organizations that have previously participated in the SEEL program must have completed their projects 12 months prior to applying again 
  • Organizations interested in solar cannot be located in a designated Historic District. If you are unsure about your organizations historic designation, search your address at bloomington.in.gov/mybloomington/

For more information about energy efficiency grants visit: bloomington.in.gov/seel/ee

For more information about solar grants visit: bloomington.in.gov/seel/solar

 

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