VLITE General Grants Program

Mission: To advance Vermont's Comprehensive Energy Plan by funding initiatives with particular emphasis on the energy needs of low-income Vermonters.

Geographic Scope: Vermont

Funding Available: Approximately $1 million per year in dividend income from VELCO

Strategic Focus

As of FY 2019, VLITE allocates grant funding as follows:

• 75% Low-Income Energy Efficiency & Renewables: Projects improving energy efficiency for low-income Vermonters, reducing energy costs, and installing renewable energy systems
• 25% Transformational Comprehensive Energy Plan Projects: Projects that serve as models and open new pathways for:
  • Renewable technologies
  • Energy efficiency measures
  • Education and outreach programs
  • Energy job training
  • New energy sector business programs

Key Focus Areas

• Energy efficiency improvements for low-income households
• Renewable energy installation (solar, biomass)
• Electric vehicle deployment and charging infrastructure
• Workforce development and job training in energy sector
• Utility support for power supply protection and smart energy deployment
• Emergency heating assistance
• Weatherization services

Alignment with Vermont's Comprehensive Energy Plan

VLITE supports Vermont's goal that by 2050, 90% of all Vermont's energy needs (transportation, buildings, electric power) will be met by renewable sources, with overall energy consumption reduced by more than one-third.

Grant Review Schedule

As of 2019, VLITE conducts grant reviews twice per year:

• May Board Meeting (typically 5/21): Comprehensive Energy Plan grants
• September Board Meeting (typically 9/10): Low-income efficiency and renewables

Contact Information:

• Executive Director: Gabrielle Malina
• Address: PO Box 1072, Montpelier, VT 05601-1072
• Phone: 802-793-4330
• Email: [email protected]

Grant History

Since 2013, VLITE has issued over $6 million in grants supporting projects that:

• Reduced energy costs and improved long-term energy efficiency for low-income Vermonter homes
• Promoted electric vehicles and installed charging stations
• Helped utilities protect power supplies and deploy renewable energy

Notable Past Grant Categories (2013):

1. Solar Furnaces ($125,000)
2. Vermont Fuel Efficiency Partnership ($165,000)
3. Barriers to Weatherization Pilot ($75,000)
4. WARMTH Program - Emergency Heating Assistance ($100,000)
5. Weatherization Training Trailer ($20,000)
6. Heat Pump Water Heaters Pilot ($90,000)
7. ReSOURCE Group YouthBuild Renewable Energy Training ($190,000)
8. Drive Electric Vermont ($130,000)
9. Thermal Energy Efficiency Funding ($150,000)
10. Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School ($40,000)

VLITE Grant Application Process

Important: VLITE accepts grant applications by invitation only.

Application Steps

1. Submit Introductory Questionnaire - This is the first step in the process. Applicants must complete and submit the Introductory Questionnaire.
2. Evaluation - VLITE Board reviews questionnaires and extends invitations to submit full grant proposals.
3. Full Proposal Submission - Invited applicants submit complete grant proposals for Board consideration.

Priorities

VLITE is particularly interested in projects that:

• Align with VLITE's mission
• Respond to increased needs resulting from the pandemic (as of recent guidelines)

Contact for Questions

For any questions about the application process:

• Executive Director: Gabrielle Malina
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 802-793-4330