Google Grid Innovation Fund

Recognizing the need for a reliable and affordable electricity supply to support economic and community development, Google, in partnership with the Columbus Region Green Fund and Elevate, has launched the Ohio Grid Innovation Fund with an initial contribution of $1 million. The fund is part of Google’s ongoing effort to foster new and innovative technologies to meet growing energy needs in Ohio. Read more about Google’s efforts here.

Program Overview

Google established the Ohio Grid Innovation Fund to support Ohio organizations that provide energy efficiency, energy industry workforce development, and other services to enhance grid reliability.

Award Requirements

The Fund is accepting applications from programs that help households reduce the burden of their energy costs – particularly low- and moderate-income (LMI) households. Applicants to the Fund should be non-profits, community organizations, and/or state and local entities located in Ohio, preferably with a history of serving Ohio residents at or below 100% area median income (AMI). Applicants should submit a clearly articulated program proposal to deliver energy solutions to Ohio households. Applicants will be required to submit documentation reporting metrics and progress at the six month and one year marks of the application duration.

Award Information

Award Minimum: $100,000

Award Maximum: $300,000

Expected Program Timeline: 12 Months

Eligible Programs: energy affordability, energy industry workforce development, and technologies to enhance grid reliability 

Examples of Energy Conservation Measures:

  • Pre-weatherization (roof repairs, wiring upgrades, etc.)

  • Air Sealing & Insulation

  • Demand response technologies 

  • High efficiency lighting 

  • High efficiency HVAC 

  • High efficiency water heater 

  • Envelope improvements (doors, windows, etc.) 

  • Solar + Storage 

  • Other renewable energy solutions

    Important Dates

    1/31/2025 - Application Launch

    2/10/2025 - Deadline for Questions

    2/18/2025 - FAQ Page Published  

    3/14/2025 - Application Deadline

    4/11/2025 - Application Winners Announced

 

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About The Columbus Region Green Fund

The Columbus Region Green Fund, an independent nonprofit 501c3, is the Columbus Region’s Green Bank (CRGF), leveraging public funds to increase and accelerate private investment in the Region’s green economy while catalyzing equitable clean energy deployment in the Region. The CRGF serves primarily Low-Income Disadvantaged Neighborhoods (LIDAC) and nonprofits in the Central Ohio Region, residents and organizations that have been historically underserved by capital markets and unable to access solar panels.