The following is a press release written by Desiree DeMolina for the City of Bloomington.
The City of Bloomington is accepting applications for the 2026 Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting (SEEL) Grant Program. This program provides technical assistance and up to $25,000 in grant funding for local small businesses and nonprofits to improve building efficiency, install solar, or install battery storage. The SEEL Grant Program is designed to benefit local organizations by increasing the accessibility of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technology, and by reducing operating costs through energy savings.
Eligible participants include nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, multifamily residential complexes, and small businesses with fewer than 500 full-time employees that own a facility within city limits. Organizations renting their facilities are eligible to participate with a documented agreement from the property owner.
Qualifying projects include solar panel installations, battery storage systems, LED lighting upgrades, energy efficient HVAC system upgrades, HVAC heat pumps, weatherization, cool roofs, windows, doors, and more. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funding has been allocated.
Any remaining project costs beyond the grant amount can be covered by the organization or financed through low-interest loans or flexible-term financing from IFF, Hoosier Hills Credit Union, or CDFI Friendly Bloomington. Past participants in the SEEL program are encouraged to reapply, but must have received their last grant at least 12 months prior.
Since its inception in 2021, the City of Bloomington has issued 67 grants totalling $1.27 million in local investment. SEEL Grants supported the installation of 435.24 kW in solar capacity over the last five years. This program accelerates Bloomington toward a net-zero community by 2050, the primary goal of the City’s 2021 Climate Action Plan. SEEL advances the City’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment sector, the largest emissions source in Bloomington, according to the 2023 Community-Wide and Municipal Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory, available at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/greenhouse-gas-inventory
More information about the program and the application form link are available at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/seel. Questions about the program should be directed to sustain@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3418.
Anyone can learn more about the SEEL grant during a webinar hosted by the City of Bloomington on Thursday, March 26 from 12-1pm. The target audience includes prospective applicants or community organizations that engage with nonprofits and small businesses. Sign up for the SEEL informational webinar using the link to the registration form at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/seel.
