Check out these two funding opportunities to support your sustainability efforts:

Delta Institute BOOST 2026

Entering its 14th year, the Delta Institute’s Building Opportunities for Original and Sustainable Thinking (BOOST) program is accepting applications through January 15, 2026.

BOOST awards grants to early-stage entrepreneurs and start-ups with innovative ideas and approaches to helping address environmental sustainability. US residents age 18+ and organizations registered in the US are welcome to apply. Applications are sought from those who are serving Midwest communities, whether on a neighborhood, municipal, county, statewide, or regional level. Individuals, LLCs, 501c3 nonprofit organizations, or any type of organization regardless of incorporation status are eligible.

BOOST is a pitch competition where the audience votes to determine the winners and grant recipients. For BOOST 2026, the Delta Institute will award at least one grand prize of $5,000 and runner-up prizes of $1,000 each for all finalists. Applicants must attend the BOOST event to pitch their idea. The event is tentatively expected to be held the evening of Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, IL, though the date and location are subject to change.

For more information, visit the Delta Institute website or view the application form.

From the Delta Institute website.

Energy efficiency rebates for small businesses & organizations

Intuit, the maker of Quickbooks, and the Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) have partnered to offer energy efficiency and electrification project rebates up to $1,000 for 30 businesses or non-profit organizations in Illinois. Applications are due February 2, 2026.

Examples of qualifying projects include LED lighting upgrades, EV charging stations, HVAC maintenance, smart thermostat installation, electric hot water heater replacements, walk-in cooler maintenance and/or strip curtains, purchasing electric bikes or vehicles…and many more.

To be eligible for this funding, your business or non-profit must:

  • Be located in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, or Nevada.
  • Have 100 or fewer employees or have an annual revenue equal to and less than $3.5M.
  • Achieve recognition in your state green business program.
  • Complete your energy efficiency or electrification project by May 31, 2026.
  • Provide project completion documents (proposal, invoice, etc.).
  • Be willing to have your story featured by your state green business program, GBENN, and/or Intuit after project completion.

Learn more and access the application form for your state on the GBENN website at https://gbenn.org/green-business-grants/.

Program flyer, courtesy of the Illinois Green Business Association.