Funding for Local Climate Action
ICLEI USA partnered with nonprofit organizations and communities across the United States to carry out local climate projects.
Each project focused on helping communities use data to guide decisions and carry out projects that improve conditions for residents.
ICLEI USA Action Fund
Made possible through funding from Google.org, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA, Inc. (ICLEI USA) provided three $1,000,000 awards to U.S. nonprofit organizations to support local climate action projects.
These projects focused on work that is data-driven and designed to be used by other communities.
Through the ICLEI USA Action Fund, ICLEI USA supported communities in reducing emissions and strengthening resilience.
Healthy Homes Electrification: Improving Indoor Air Quality and Climate Outcomes in Denver, CO
Energy Outreach Colorado & City and County of Denver, Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado worked with the City and County of Denver to expand the Healthy Homes Program. The project combined home electrification with health-focused upgrades for low-income households, with a focus on residents experiencing chronic respiratory conditions.
Through home assessments and targeted retrofits, the program delivered upgrades to 21 homes supported through the Action Fund. The work improved indoor air quality, reduced energy use, and lowered emissions.
This project shows how housing, health, and climate efforts can come together at the local level while directly improving daily living conditions for residents.
Habitat for Humanity Home Electrification Equity Project (HEEP) in East Bay, CA
Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley & partner cities in California
Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley worked with the cities of Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, and Oakland to support home electrification across the East Bay.
The project developed a modeling tool to help guide home upgrades and support pilot retrofits.
Through this work, 11 low-income households received integrated upgrades, including heat pumps, induction stoves, solar systems, and battery storage at no cost.
The project shows how cities and partners can move electrification work forward while supporting housing stability and energy affordability.
Data-Driven Urban Forestry for Climate Resilience in Pittsburgh, PA
Resilient Cities Catalyst & City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Resilient Cities Catalyst worked with the City of Pittsburgh to improve how the city plans and manages tree planting. The project brought together data on climate risk, social vulnerability, and existing tree canopy to guide where new trees would have the greatest impact.
This work supported pilot plantings and informed changes to city processes while reaching approximately 3000 residents through targeted investments and planning. It also contributed to new tools, datasets, and guidance that can support similar efforts in other cities.
The project shows how communities can use data to guide nature-based solutions that reduce heat, manage flood risk, and support public health.
Press Corner
Thank you for your interest in the ICLEI USA Action Fund. For media requests, please contact:
Anne Marie Cleary Rauker
Communications Officer
am.clearyrauker@iclei.org
In the News
- [Press Release]: ICLEI USA Announces Awardees of $3 Million ICLEI USA Action Fund to Support Innovative Climate Action
- [ICLEI USA CityTalk & News]: Climate Action Funding Opportunity: Action Fund
- [Press Release]: Finalists Announced for the ICLEI Action Fund, Round One in the U.S.