Sun Club Sustainability Grant

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits.

Advancing Sustainable Communities
Through nonprofit partnerships and sustainability grants, we’ve delivered projects promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
Sustainability Grants
If you’re a U.S.-based nonprofit looking to make a positive environmental impact and you want access to a network of sustainability experts, it’s time to plant seeds of sustainability in your community.
Eligible Sustainability Initiatives
In addition to supporting rooftop solar installation projects, we've expanded our mission to support other sustainability initiatives that include but aren't limited to:

• Clean TransportationEducation and AwarenessEnergy EfficiencyRenewable EnergyResource ConservationSustainable Agriculture
• We’re open to new, creative ideas from nonprofit organizations interested in utilizing and promoting sustainability initiatives.
• Selection Process - Impact Measurement
• We measure environmental, social and financial impacts:

Environmental impact calculations consider how the project is more impactful for the planet than the alternative. Examples: CO2 prevented (renewable versus traditional generation methods), miles not driven, gallons of water conserved, green space created, pounds of waste diverted. Social impact calculations assess how the project will elicit change in the community. Examples: results of an email or newsletter story about the project, number of students impacted through curriculum, attendee numbers on sustainability tours. Financial impact calculations assess how the project will save your organization money, and how those savings can further support your mission. Example: a solar array would save your organization $2,000 per year, resulting in 100 more meals distributed to the homeless or 30 more children receiving free tuition.
Award Amounts
Donation amounts depend on a number of factors, including evaluation of the environmental, social, and financial impact of the donation. Past donations have ranged from $50,000 to $400,000.

Eligibility

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with programs benefiting communities where Green Mountain Energy Company does business, which includes specific ZIP codes in the following states:TexasPennsylvaniaIllinoisNew JerseyMarylandMassachusettsOrganizations must hold three years of current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), (4), (6) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants will be expected to provide three years of 990s, along with a W-9 to verify nonprofit status.Nonprofits should have the following financial history:$250K in annual revenue per year for the past three years$100K raised through public support

Ineligibility

The Sun Club does not provide funding for:For-profit entitiesPolitical organizationsReligious organizations