Empowerment Grant Application  2025-2026 

The Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition (Midwest BDC) is building a movement where local leaders drive equitable building decarbonization. We know real change takes time, staff, and the creative capacity to reassess and rebuild—together.
Now in its fourth year, our Regranting Program offers two funding pathways to support the labor, leadership, and lived experience that help deconstruct harm and retrofit justice into our region's future.

This application is for the Empowerment Grant

This $10,000 grant supports grassroots organizations advancing building decarbonization through equity, policy, market transformation, or community engagement. It's designed for groups leading systemic change—not just participating in it.

Applicants will tailor their proposals to one of Midwest BDC's core topic areas—choosing the one that best reflects how their work aligns with and strengthens coalition programming.

These topic areas are:

  • Community Clean Heat Infrastructure
  • Public Service Commission Advocacy
  • Affordable Housing
  • Health Impacts
  • Local Policy

Aspiring recipients should review the basic concept and suggested deliverables for each topic area. Applications should build on work already underway—whether expanding a program, deepening engagement, or continuing a campaign with new capacity.

Each topic area includes a mix of deliverables such as:

  • Local in-person workshops for education, visioning, and feedback
  • Stakeholder and decision-maker communication campaigns
  • Advocacy planning and documentation of impact
  • Final products such as reports, videos, or policy outcomes

Detailed expectations and examples for each topic area are outlined in the MWBDC 2025-26 Regranting Handbook. Before you begin, review the handbook to ensure your application reflects the depth and direction of your work.

Sign in to Google to save your progress. Learn more
Email *
First Name *
Last Name *
Organization Name *
Phone *
Have you ever applied for a Participation Stipend and/or Empowerment Grant in the past? If you have it will not have an impact on whether or not you are chosen for a stipend this year.  *
Required

Describe the history, mission, and vision of your organization and how your work connects to the objectives of Midwest BDC.


 *

Define the geographic area of the work you propose to do.

 *
Required
Which MWBDC core topic area does you proposed project fit under? (check all that apply)  *
Required
What will you do with this $10,000 Empowerment Grant? Use SMARTIE goals to show how your project is measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable. Share your goals, strategies, timeline, and expected outcomes in detail.

(We suggest using the SMARTIE goals format, and detailing how your project is measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable). 

Take as much space as needed to define your goals, objectives, strategies, activities, timeline, and expected outcomes. 
 *
Provide a budget breakdown.

We know plans may shift, but strong applications include a clear budget for how the $10,000 Empowerment Grant will be used. 

Outline costs for activities, staffing, outreach, and any flexible funds needed to adapt as your work evolves.

An example could look like: “We are applying for a $15,000 grant to fund our community listening sessions. We plan to host 4 events throughout the year, and plan to spend $1,000 on a venue and food for the session, $2,000 on stipends for community members to participate, and $500 on event promotion. Over four events, this totals $14,000. The remaining $1,000 will be used for miscellaneous expenses that could arise throughout the year.”
 *
Please clearly specify how your proposal facilitates Midwest BDC's mission.

How will your project build power—for your organization and for the Midwest BDC coalition as a whole?

 *

How would your project impact the community you support/represent?

 *
Is there anything else we should know?
Which of the following grant objectives does your proposed project primarily aim to address? *
Required
On a scale of 1-5, how well does your organization's mission align with the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition's goals? *
Not aligned
Perfectly aligned
How did you hear about the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition Empowerment Grant? *
A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.
Submit
Clear form
Never submit passwords through Google Forms.
reCAPTCHA
PrivacyTerms
This form was created inside of Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition.

Does this form look suspicious? Report

Google Forms