Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (incl. Illinois Solar Schools) – DISCONTINUED
Eligibility
This foundation has ceased operations. No applications are currently being accepted. The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation operated for 25 years before closing in December 2024. Illinois educators previously funded through ICEFC should explore alternative clean energy and environmental education funding sources.
Program Goals
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICEFC) was a major funder of environmental education, clean energy, and Illinois Solar Schools programs for 25 years. The foundation ceased operations in December 2024. The Illinois Solar Schools program, which provided solar panel installations and energy education curriculum to Illinois schools, is no longer accepting new applications through ICEFC. Schools that previously had ICEFC solar installations should contact their local utility or ISBE for ongoing support resources.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
This program is discontinued. No applications are currently being accepted. The foundation ceased operations in December 2024. Illinois educators interested in solar energy education or clean energy programs should contact the Illinois EPA, Illinois DCEO, or local utilities for alternative funding opportunities.
Cycle Notes
ICEFC is permanently closed as of December 2024 after 25 years of operation. No new grant cycles will be offered. Illinois educators should explore ISBE, IDNR, and utility foundation grants as alternatives for clean energy and environmental education funding.
Grant Award Amount
No funding is currently available. The foundation has permanently closed.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — consider for OEEF (Ohio) equivalent — check Illinois EPA environmental education grants instead
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — explore Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant or IDNR programs for environmental monitoring
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — explore IAITC grants or Illinois school library grants for plant science programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation still accepting applications?
No. ICEFC permanently ceased operations in December 2024 after 25 years. No applications are being accepted.
What happened to the Illinois Solar Schools program?
Illinois Solar Schools was an ICEFC program that is no longer active. Schools with existing ICEFC solar installations should contact their local utility for ongoing support information.
What alternative clean energy education grants exist in Illinois?
Illinois educators can explore IDNR Schoolyard Habitat and Biodiversity grants, Illinois EPA programs, utility foundation grants (Ameren, ComEd), and federal programs through ISBE. This blog lists current Illinois funding opportunities.
How can Illinois schools find current environmental education grants?
Explore the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant, IDNR Biodiversity Field Trip Grant, Illinois American Water grants, and IAITC programs — all listed on this blog.
How can Forward Education help Illinois schools find funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Illinois schools. We can help identify the right current grants for your program. Contact us to start the conversation.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Illinois standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more Illinois funding resources
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