Communities of Color Building Solar Capacity (CBSC) Mini-Grant Guidelines

PURPOSE 

Communities of Color Building Solar Capacity (CBSC) program mini-grants are available to support participating CBOs in their pursuit of community-owned solar project development in their local communities. Mini-grants can be used to fund events (e.g. teach-ins, workshops, lunch-and-learns), projects (e.g. feasibility studies, project modeling, data collection), or other expenses related to participation in the CBSC program. To expedite the review and enhance accountability and reporting, the form asks you to detail the purpose, timeline, and budget breakdown for any events or projects for which funding is needed.

GRANT SIZE

Mini-grants are generally between $2,000 – $5,000 each, and each participating organization may only request one mini-grant per round. 

Applicants may apply for up to a maximum allotment per organization of $10,000 over the 10-month course of the CBSC program. You will receive an update regarding your organization’s remaining balance each time an award decision is made.

CRITERIA

Participants eligible to receive mini-grant funding fulfill the following requirements:

• Actively engages in the CBSC program (i.e. meets with the Program Manager monthly, submits all necessary items in a timely manner, engages with cohort and cross-program activities as able)
• Has submitted their organization’s Pathway to the Program Manager for review and utilizes the Pathway as their timeline for participation in the program
• Actively pursues community-owned solar (COS) project development or community-led alternatives through activities related to community engagement, project research, etc.
• Works with their SLIC intern, providing guidance and reasonable tasks, and meeting with the intern on a weekly or bi-weekly basis

PAYOUT & REPORTING

Payment will be made via ACH payment to the bank account of the organization or its fiscal sponsor. 

Reporting – following a simple PSEF template of just a few questions – shall occur within 3 months after the grant (i.e. 1 month after the max 2-month grant period).

Prior to submitting an application, please ensure that your organization has submitted confirmation of an organizational bank account (e.g., bank statement, bank letter, or written affirmation for the existence of an account) and a completed W-9 form.

If you have questions or need clarification about any items in this form, please contact the Capacity Building Programs Manager, Lee Bowser at lbowser@psef.network.  

Please note that a completed application consists of:

1. This cover sheet, complete with signature 
2. Brief statement of grant purpose
3. All questions completed
4. Any supporting documents related to the questions below