Materials & FAQs
In 2024, local schools, nonprofits and government agencies are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $50,000 from the Evergreen Options program to help with the purchase and installation of on-site renewable energy projects located in Tacoma Power’s service territory.
Evergreen Options will award one financial grant of up to $50,000 in 2024. Grant recipients must be Evergreen Options program participants at the time of the grant award.
Timeline for 2024 funding: The 2024 Evergreen Options grant program is now closed for applications.
The Multicultural Family Center was voted the 2024 Evergreen Options grant winner.
Sample Documents:
FAQs about Tacoma Power’s Renewable Energy Grants
- Who can apply?
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Registered 501(c)(3)s, nonprofit academic institutions, government agencies, and public agencies can apply. Grant recipients must be Evergreen Options program participants at time of award.
- What’s the process to apply for a grant?
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- Tacoma Power publishes the grant opportunity.
- Eligible parties submit grant applications.
- Tacoma Power vets projects for feasibility.
- Winning proposal(s) are selected through an online vote.
- What kinds of projects have the best chance of receiving funding?
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Tacoma Power will be looking for proposals that leverage new or multiple renewable energy technologies and have educational value for our community. See a complete list of considerations in the grant application packet.
- How will grant applications be scored?
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The following weighting percentages will be used to score the applications.
Scoring is weighted based on the following (attribute/weighting percentage):
Attribute/weighting percentage
Project readiness/20%
Costs and funding/20%
Innovation/10%
Community benefits/40%
Overall proposal/10%
For more details, see the sample grant application packet.
- How can the funds be used?
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Winning grant projects will receive up to $50,000 towards equipment purchase and installation costs. Funds can be used for wind, solar, geothermal, landfill gas, wave or tidal, biomass, gas produced during the treatment of wastewater, and qualified hydropower. Funds cannot be used for estimates, administrative costs, or site improvements.
- Do we have to own the building/property where the project will be installed?
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You do not have to own the building/property if you provide a letter of approval from the building/property owner.
- If selected, when would we receive funding?
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A payment of 30% of the grant funds will be released at the time the executed Grant Agreement is received. The remaining funds will be released once the project is complete and verified.
- How soon does the project need to be completed?
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Recipients will have 24 months from the time of the award to complete the project. An extension is possible if a change order request is submitted and approved by Tacoma Power.
- Does Tacoma Power have a list of solar installers that I can choose from in getting bids for a potential grant project?
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Tacoma Power does not have a list of solar installers. We suggest you visit the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association website for a list of solar installers in Washington or you can view this list of rooftop solar installers who work within the utility’s service territory. The list is not an endorsement or guarantee by Tacoma Power, so it’s still a good idea to request references and research installers online.
If you have questions or if you would like to have a Tacoma Power representative come talk to your organization about the program and grant opportunities, email us at evergreen@cityoftacoma.org.