Funding search · renewable energy · Illinois
Who funds renewable energy work in Illinois
15 funders have a record of paying for renewable energy work by Illinois recipients: 108 grants totaling $25.1M, most recently in 2025 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are United States Energy Foundation ($17.4M), Energy Action Fund ($1.9M) and The McKnight Foundation ($650,000).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to Illinois recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
United States Energy FoundationSan Francisco, CACharity · may take applications
59 matching grants · $18.1M · through 2024Largest: $1.0M to CUB CONSUMER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FUND — to support education and outreach to build a clean energy future. to promote education and analysis to advance clean, affordable energy that protects public health. to support educ…
Energy Action FundSan Francisco, CACharity · may take applications
12 matching grants · $1.9M · through 2024Largest: $660,000 to FAITH IN PLACE ACTION FUND — to support clean energy policy advancement in the states.
Largest: $75,000 to Evergreen Climate Innovations — to communicate the importance of clean energy and clean energy jobs in the midwest
Largest: $250,000 to Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund — to provide general operating support
Local Jobs & Economic Development FundDover, DECharity · may take applications
6 matching grants · $101,800 · through 2024Largest: $27,400 to WILL COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE — supporting local economic development through clean energy deployment
Largest: $500,000 to ELEVATE ENERGY — to support the clean energy contractor accelerator & clean energy workforce training programs.
Largest: $600,000 to ENERGY FOUNDATION — to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy by supporting policy solutions that create robust, competitive markets and the benefits they bring
John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (Consolidated)Chicago, IL
3 matching grants · $550,000 · through 2024Largest: $250,000 to ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL EDUCATION FUND — in support of the illinois clean energy program
Largest: $20,000 to ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICY CENTRE — advocacy for clean renewable energy
Sustainable Markets FoundationNew York, NYCharity · may take applications
3 matching grants · $41,470 · through 2022Largest: $23,300 to 350 CHICAGO — clean energy and just transition
Largest: $80,000 to ENVIRONMENTAL LAW POLICY — promote clean energy and transportation
Climate Imperative FoundationSan Francisco, CACharity · may take applications
2 matching grants · $816,727 · through 2023Largest: $400,000 to Environmental Law & Policy Center of the Midwest — to support the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy
This is one topic and one state. PaperOrbit reads your actual paper and searches on everything in it — then explains why each funder fits.
Start with one paperBroader: renewable energy funders nationally · all Illinois-based grantmakers