Energy efficient lighting (compact fluorescent bulb).
The United States government, corporations and private foundations offer grants to schools to help make the buildings more environmentally sustainable. These grants supplement the school's budget to actualize green projects, such as lighting retrofits and water and energy-saving technologies. The grants may also include money to cover energy monitoring services to verify energy is being conserved after the project is complete.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grants
Because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding, many schools now have the opportunity to receive grants to accomplish their green goals. These grants vary from state to state because the federal government allots different states with a different amounts for distribution through various grants. Many of the grants focus on environmental sustainability and a facility's energy efficiency. For example, the North Carolina Energy Office is offering a grant to schools that will give up to $200,000 in funding to integrate energy and water-saving methods and technologies into the campus. Some of these technologies include solar panels, solar thermal water heaters and energy efficient lighting retrofits.
Bright Ideas Grants
Through the Bright Ideas Grants, schools in northern and central California are able to apply for grants of $1,000, $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000 to support a school's environmental initiatives in the following categories: Educational Solar Projects, Green Your School Projects, Youth Energy and Environmental Programs, Professional Development/Workforce Development Programs and Renewable Energy- or Science-Related Field Trips.
Ocean First Foundation Grants
The Ocean First Foundation provides funding through the "Go Green" Initiative to schools within New Jersey's Monmouth and Ocean counties. Each grant is worth $2,500, and 20 are awarded each year. The grants help schools achieve the following initiatives: Creating Green Healthy Spaces; Teaching, Learning and Engaging [about the environment]; Using Resources Sustainably and Striving to be Toxic Free.
Tags: American Recovery, American Recovery Reinvestment, Bright Ideas, Bright Ideas Grants, efficient lighting