City of Minneapolis
2007 Climate Change Grants
In 2007, in order to help combat the harmful effects carbon dioxide and slow the pace of climate change, the City of Minneapolis became the first city in the country to provide 25 Climate Change Grants. Neighborhood, business and faith-based associations, non-profit organizations, libraries, park and recreational centers, and other public entities that serve Minneapolis residents and businesses were eligible to apply for the grants.
Xcel Energy provided 1,360 free compact fluorescent lights, and the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) assisted the grantees in promoting the Energy Challenge and providing other technical assistance.
All grantees were required to promote the Minnesota Energy Challenge – an interactive website to calculate an individual’s carbon dioxide footprint and commit to making positive changes.
There were two different types of grants:
Climate Change Micro Grants:
Twenty groups received grants up to $1,000 each to move residents to take immediate actions to reduce their clime change footprint and sign folks up for the Minnesota Energy Challenge. The application was relatively short and easy to fill out.
Climate Change Innovations Grants:
Five non-profit groups received up to $10,000 each to focus on meaningful measurable climate change actions targeting residents and businesses.
2007 Climate Change Grant Overview (pdf)
- An estimated value of $127,000 was leveraged as a result of the City’s grants, equaling an overall 211 percent return on investment. The leverages mainly took the form of monetary support from local groups and businesses, in-kind contributions, donated staff and volunteer time (the hourly rate is estimated from $15 to $20).
- Teams registered 1,418 participants in the Minnesota Energy Challenge, bringing the total number of participating Minneapolis residents and businesses to about 2,500.
- New Energy Challenge Team members pledged to save more than 8.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually for a reduction of $682,340 on their energy use. According to the Center for Energy and Environment, this is equivalent to taking 683 cars off the road or eliminating electricity in 478 houses.
- Many things are not quantifiable such as the increased capacity in the community to engage its members on climate change issues and the partnerships built between organizations.
- Many of the grantees made a commitment to continue their efforts after the grant period ends.
For general information the Minneapolis Climate Change Grants including 2008 and 2009 information visit Minneapolis Climate Change Grants.
Last updated Dec. 23, 2011