About Bloomington Energy Works
The City of Bloomington and the Indiana Energy Independence Fund (IEIF) have been chosen as part of a highly competitive, nationwide strategy by the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) and ICLEI USA to receive a $250,000 Phase 1 Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) grant.
This funding allowed the city to create the Bloomington Energy Works program, which aims to work across all sectors of the community to build the market for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The program aims to develop a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) plan that includes a list of potentially financeable National Clean Investment Fund-qualified energy efficiency and renewable energy projects worth a minimum of $50 million, and to bring low-cost finance capital to Bloomington stakeholders for project implementation.
The Public Private Partnership Plan opens the door to a potential Phase 2 MIF grant of up to $2 million for additional pre-development funding to accelerate clean energy projects that benefit our community. The projects that we’re pursuing will lead to lower energy bills, cleaner air and water, more resilient infrastructure, and local job creation.
Our selection reflects the strength of our vision and our readiness to work with proven organizations like CGC and ICLEI USA, which have a substantial network of partners, including green banks, community lenders, developers, and major financial firms. This unlocks billions in opportunities for our community to bring real projects to life and real benefits to our community.
To learn more about the MIF Grant program, click here.
Long-Term Goals
Reduce energy costs for Bloomington’s lower-income residents who, according to the US Department of Energy, spend up to 28% of their household income on energy
Support the reduction of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to 25% below 2018 levels by 2030, per the City of Bloomington Climate Action Plan
Raise awareness among residents, developers, and building owners about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the value of infrastructure resilience in Bloomington
Steps to Bring Low Cost Finance Capital to Bloomington
Step 1
City of Bloomington and co-applicant Indiana Energy Independence Fund (IEIF) applied for $250,000 Phase 1 Municipal Investment Fund Grant
City of Bloomington and IEIF were selected out of 114 cities across the US and several Indiana cities
IEIF is the subawardee of the grant and serves as the fiscal sponsor by managing funds and submitting reports to the CGC/ICLEI USA
Electrify Indiana was hired to create an Energy Navigator! volunteer program and provide community energy efficiency & renewable energy education
Donovan Energy was hired to provide free technical assistance, such as energy assessments, solar system designs, and/or Level 2 ASHRAE energy audits to developers and commercial, manufacturing, multi-family housing, etc. building owners
Donovan Energy provides financial analysis to assess the return on investment and the feasibility of implementing clean energy upgrades
Step 2
Bloomington stakeholders develop a Public Private Partnership Plan with a list of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects worth a minimum of $50M dollars in need of low-cost financing
Submit Public Private Partnership Plan with a list of projects to the Coalition for Green Capital/ICLEI USA by the deadline of March 15, 2026
Step 3
Apply for a potential $2M dollar Phase 2 Municipal Investment Fund grant for additional pre-market development activities.
Compete with 48 cities across the country for potential Phase 2 funding
Step 4
If Bloomington is selected for the potential Phase 2 grant, funds will be used to:
Continue to develop the list of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
Provide free technical assistance to stakeholders
Complete construction designs and bid specification packages
Step 5
Develop low-cost finance capital stack with Coalition for Green Capital/ICLEI USA and leading climate and energy investment partners
Bring low-cost capital to Bloomington for shovel-ready project implementation
Through the Bloomington Energy Works program, we are taking control of our energy future. By working with some of the country’s leading climate and energy investors, we can develop pipelines of projects that transform our communities by driving economic growth, lowering costs, creating jobs, and ensuring our infrastructure is resilient against climate-related risks.
