Bloomington, Indiana – Local organizations in Bloomington now have a fresh opportunity to invest in cleaner energy and more efficient buildings, as the city opens applications for the 2026 Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting (SEEL) Grant Program.
Through the initiative, qualifying applicants may receive technical support along with grant funding of up to $25,000 to help implement projects that reduce energy use and expand access to renewable power.
The program is aimed at helping small businesses and community organizations lower operating expenses while embracing modern energy technologies.
Funding can support a wide range of improvements, from solar panel installations and battery storage systems to energy-saving upgrades such as LED lighting, efficient heating and cooling equipment, heat pumps, and weatherization measures. Projects involving cool roofs, upgraded windows, and improved doors may also qualify.
Eligibility extends to a broad cross-section of Bloomington’s community institutions. Nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, healthcare providers, grocery stores, multifamily housing complexes, and small businesses with fewer than 500 employees may apply, provided they own a facility located within city limits.
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Organizations that lease their space are also eligible if they obtain documented approval from the property owner.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, continuing until all available funding has been awarded. For many participants, the grant can serve as a key financial boost, helping offset the upfront cost of energy upgrades.
If project costs exceed the grant amount, organizations may cover the difference themselves or pursue financing through several lending partners, including IFF, Hoosier Hills Credit Union, or CDFI Friendly Bloomington, which offer options such as low-interest loans and flexible repayment terms.
Bloomington officials say the program has already made a measurable impact since its launch in 2021. Over the past five years, the city has awarded 67 SEEL grants, representing $1.27 million in local investment.
Those projects collectively added more than 435 kilowatts of solar capacity across the community, expanding the use of renewable energy while helping local organizations manage long-term energy costs.
Beyond the financial benefits, the initiative plays an important role in Bloomington’s broader climate strategy. The SEEL program supports the city’s goal of becoming a net-zero community by 2050, a central objective outlined in Bloomington’s 2021 Climate Action Plan.
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Efforts to modernize buildings and reduce energy consumption are particularly significant because the built environment represents the city’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the 2023 Community-Wide and Municipal Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
City officials are encouraging organizations interested in the program to learn more through an informational webinar scheduled for Thursday, March 26, from noon to 1 p.m. The session is designed for potential applicants as well as community groups that work closely with nonprofits and small businesses. Participants can register through the program webpage.
Additional details about the SEEL Grant Program, including the application form and webinar registration link, are available at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/seel. Questions can also be directed to the city’s sustainability team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 812-349-3418.
