The 2023-2024 Funding Cycle application period is closed – feel free to keep reading to learn about the program and apply next year!
The Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition is committed to building a movement for everybody to equitably decarbonize the building sector in the Midwest.
To align the Coalition’s work with Justice40 and the Climate Funder’s Justice Pledge, MWBDC has committed 40 percent of its annual budget to re-granting work, either through Participation Stipends for our Coalition Members or through our Empowerment Grants. We know that environmental injustices have not impacted all communities the same – BIPOC, members of Frontline Communities, historically marginalized groups, and environmental justice communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Empowerment Grants
Empowerment Grants are available to organizations that take action on one or more of the Coalition’s five domains of work; equity, market transformation, consumer inspiration, public policy, and research. Grants can be awarded to fund a specific project or initiative or build capacity in an organization. The grant period is one year, and the grants range in amount from $10,000 – $50,000.
This year, we put together an Empowerment Grant Program Handbook that outlines the application scoring rubric, past projects, and decision timeline. Please take a look at it before applying, as the information provided will help guide you in submitting your application! Last year, we had more applications than available funding – please be thoughtful when writing your proposal, and reach out to MWBDC staff if you would like to discuss your application before submitting it. We’re here to help!
Participation Stipends
Participation Stipends aim to financially support folks doing this work within the Coalition space, and alleviate the financial barrier that could exclude people from being able to participate with the Coalition. Individuals or organizations can apply.
Stipends are intended to cover the costs of Coalition involvement for one year and come in four levels with different expectations for each.
- Level I ($1,000)
- Level II ($3,000)
- Level III ($5,000)
- Level IV ($8,000)
The Participation Stipend Program Handbook defines the attendance and project expectations for each stipend level. The expectations are intended to help applicants identify what level of commitment and stipend is appropriate for them – they are not intended as a checklist to attain a higher stipend amount.
Please reflect and be honest about the level of coalition work you or your organization are prepared to take on in the next year. If you still have questions about the best fit, do not hesitate to contact MWBDC staff.
Our Process & Timeline
- Read over the handbook for whichever funding source you’re applying for, and send an email to [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to discuss your application!
- Submit your application by August 15, 2023.
- The Grants and Stipends sub-committee of the Equity Working Group will begin reviewing applications in August and reach out to conduct an online “site visit” (Zoom call) so they can ask any follow-up questions about your project or application.
- Final decisions will be made by the Grants and Stipends sub-committee by September 15, 2023.
- Funds will be disbursed on October 1, 2023.