Green Communities, and initiative sponsored by Enterprise, will be awarding grants of up to $50,000 per project for developers committed to providing green affordable housing. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 31, and awards are expected to be made by November. On Wednesday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m. ET, Green Communities will hold an online meeting to review the application process. For grant guidelines and an application, click here. Information about the grant can be obtained by telephone (410-715-7433) or email.

Planning funds may be used to:

• Cover expenses related to the integrated design process including the additional costs of architectural work, charrette, engineering, site surveys, analysis of energy use, and environmental reviews.

Construction funds may be used for:

• Costs related to Green construction items, such as more efficient HVAC system, green materials, energy efficient appliances, etc.
• Costs related to architect’s certification that Green Communities Criteria have been met, as well as costs of any other third party assistance in certifying a development.
• Costs of tracking the incremental cost (if any, and not to exceed $3,000) of implementing individual items in the Criteria; this tracking will be required.
• Third-party costs of establishing systems and tools for property management and resident education, to maximize the benefits of the green measures once the property is operating