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Solar for Good - Solar Installation Grants

Renew Wisconsin Inc

Foundation Semi-annual Grants for NonprofitsSolar Energy GrantsGrants for Churches

Funding Amount

Up to $10,000 (arrays <75 kW); Up to $20,000 (arrays ≥75 kW); funds up to 20% of project cost

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Solar for Good - Solar Installation Grants

Funder: RENEW Wisconsin Inc

Program Status: Active with semi-annual funding cycles (spring and fall)

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin statewide

Focus Area: Solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation for nonprofit organizations and houses of worship

Award Information:

  • Total funding rounds vary: $110,000 (spring 2018), $145,000+ (spring 2018 round 2), $100,000 (fall 2018), $445,000+ (fall 2018)

  • Grants fund up to 20% of solar array installation costs

  • Grant cap: $10,000 for solar arrays sized less than 75 kW

  • Grant cap: $20,000 for arrays 75 kW and above

  • Technical assistance grants also available (see separate listing)

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Registered nonprofit organization located in Wisconsin

  • In good financial standing

  • Ready to install solar (project-ready status)

  • Agreement to participate in community education about solar energy benefits

  • If approved: all fundraising, design, and installation must be completed within 12 months

    • Eligible Applicants:

  • Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3))

  • Houses of worship

  • Community organizations

  • Educational institutions

  • Housing authorities

  • Social service organizations

  • Environmental organizations

  • Schools and school districts

    • What They Fund:

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation

  • Equipment and installation costs

  • Up to 20% of total project cost

    • What They Don't Fund:

  • Not explicitly stated in materials provided

    • Funding Source:

  • Primarily funded by philanthropists Cal and Laurie Couillard of Deerfield through their Couillard Solar Foundation

  • Additional donors have contributed

    • Program History:

  • Fall 2017: 16 nonprofit organizations awarded grants; supported over $1.2 million in solar investment; 573 kW added

  • Spring 2018: 15 organizations awarded grants; $145,000+ in grants; $1.2+ million in new solar projects

  • Fall 2018: 36 organizations awarded grants; $445,000+ in grants; $4.5 million in new solar investment; 2.13 MW added

  • Program planned to be sustained for three years or more

    • Contact Information:

  • Katherine Klausing, Engagement Manager: 608-255-4044 x5 or 614-406-1105

  • Email: Katherine@renewwisconsin.org

  • General: info@renewwisconsin.org

  • Phone: 608-255-4044

  • Address: 214 North Hamilton Street, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53703

    • Additional Benefits:

  • Organizations help spread awareness about solar benefits in their communities

  • Projects generate clean renewable energy

  • Save money on utility bills

  • Reinvest energy cost savings back into organizational work

    • How to Apply

    How to Apply

    1. Visit the Solar for Good website at https://www.renewwisconsin.org/solarforgood/

    2. Complete the online application form

    3. Required Information/Materials:
    - Organization registration and nonprofit status documentation
    - Financial standing verification
    - Project readiness information
    - Solar system specifications and quotes
    - Agreement to participate in community education efforts
    - Timeline for project completion

    4. Application Deadlines and Timeline:
    - Spring 2018 round: Deadline April 9, 2018; Decisions by April 15, 2018
    - Fall 2018 round: Deadline November 13, 2018 at 5:00 PM; Decisions by November 26, 2018
    - Future cycles: Spring and fall deadlines announced for each cycle

    5. Review Process:
    - Applications reviewed for eligibility and project viability
    - Decisions announced within 2-3 weeks of deadline

    6. Technical Assistance:
    - Organizations new to solar can apply separately for technical assistance grants
    - These applications reviewed on first-come, first-served basis
    - Reviewed separately from installation grant applications

    7. Project Requirements if Approved:
    - Must complete all fundraising, design, and installation within 12 months
    - Must participate in educating community members about solar energy benefits
    - Must help spread awareness of their solar project investment

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    What Renew Wisconsin Inc actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2025

    Grants in 2025
    2
    Total given
    $27K
    Median grant
    $14K
    Range
    $7,215–$20K
    • By dollars: Wisconsin 100%. Top recipient cities: Madison, WI.

    Example grants

    • Agrace Hospice Care · Madison, WI

      Solar for good

      $20K

    • St Vincent De Paul · Madison, WI

      Solar for good

      $7,215

    IRS Form 990-PF, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitssolarchurches

    Categories

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