Public and private funding is available for climate action and sustainability projects. Non-profit organizations, individuals, businesses, schools, tribal governments and local governments can receive financial support or incentives. The following websites compile information and resources to access funding opportunities:
California Climate Investments is a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. Projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. Programs provide funding to implement projects through grants, vouchers, incentives, loans, and more. There is a supplemental Funding Workbook developped to facilitate navigating state funding opportunities for California Tribes.
This portal is a searchable database with information on all grants and loans offered by California state agencies. Managed by the California state library, it displays funding opportunities by funding type, applicant time, agency, and deadline.
This site is a comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. The search option allows for filtering by program type (e.g. financing, bond program, corporate depreciation or tax credits, grant programs, building incentives, etc.), sector (residential or non-residential), location, and more. Use the filter on the right to toggle filters.
This searchable directory of public and private funding opportunities is an initiative by the California Energy Commission. It displays funding opportunities by funding type (Government grant, private grant, venture capital, loans, incentives, RFI/RFP, etc.), by applicant type (government, tribal government, institution, organization, school, households, business, etc.), and topic.
Local Air Quality Districts and Metropolitan Planning Organizations may have additional location specific resources and programs.
Resources Specific to Households and Contractors
Locate services that address needs of qualifying low-income families and individuals, including assistance in paying household energy costs, energy efficiency and weatherization services, and tax credit programs. CSD provides a service map which allows users to search for programs available in their city or county.
Find location-specific rebates and special offers for Energy Star-certified products. Products that earn the Energy Star label meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the U.S. EPA helping homeowners and renters save energy and money while protecting the environment.
California homeowners and tenants can use the GoGreen Financing online platform to find participating lenders and contractors to finance and install their energy efficiency upgrades.
Resources from the California Public Utility Commission for electric rate comparisons (including information on the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program) and various electrical energy financial assistance programs. Additional resources may be directly available through your local utility.
The Switch Is On campaign provides information on incentives, tools and support for homeowners and renters to electrify their homes and begin a cleaner, healthier way of powering their lives. Thesite provides resources for individuals to upgrade to zero-emission appliances, which can lower emissions, improve local air quality, and often reduce energy bills.
Not sure where to start? Read through some definitions of common types of funding sources.