How much funding does Communities Building Solar Capacity (CBSC) Program provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

Communities Building Solar Capacity (CBSC) Program

PEOPLE'S SOLAR ENERGY FUND

Foundation Semi-annual Grants for Nonprofits Solar Energy Grants Environmental Justice Grants Grants for BIPOC

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

May 15, 2026

37 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Communities Building Solar Capacity (CBSC) Program

Overview: An initiative that aims to advance environmental, economic, and community resilience while mobilizing communities of color toward solar development.

Focus Areas:

Community-owned solar education and training

Project pre-development exploration

Environmental justice

Climate solutions

Green jobs and wealth-building

Federal climate program utilization

Geographic Scope: National (10+ states across the United States)

Target Participants:

Community-based organizations (CBOs) serving communities of color

Community development corporations

Solar developers

Environmental justice advocates

Law groups

Faith-based organizations

Key Features:

12-week cohort-based program

Summer Cohort: Early July to mid-September

Winter Cohort: Early January to mid-March

Online training and multi-city partnerships

Cross-pollinating virtual convenings

Focus groups and inter-program support networks

Introduction to Community-Owned Solar curriculum (101 Course with three modules)

Guidance toward project pre-development exploration

Application Cycles:

May 15th deadline for Summer Cohort (decisions/start early July)

November 15th deadline for Winter Cohort (decisions/start early January)

Contact: Natalie Slater, Membership Engagement Coordinator - nslater@psef.network

Background: Launched in September 2023 with Mosaic Movement Infrastructure grant funding in partnership with the Energy Foundation. Designed to help communities of color access and utilize new federal offerings for community-owned solar development.

How to Apply

CBSC Program Application

1. Access Application: Applications available at https://psef.network/psef-membership-application/
2. Application Frequency: Year-round submissions reviewed twice annually
3. Deadlines:
- May 15th for Summer Cohort (early July start)
- November 15th for Winter Cohort (early January start)
4. Estimated Time: 20-40 minutes to complete
5. Application Structure: 4 sections covering organization information and program interest
6. Response Format: Bullet-point responses welcome
7. Accommodations: Contact Natalie at nslater@psef.network to request accommodations or ask questions
8. Submit: Complete online form on membership application page