Pre-planning is critically important when designing and constructing a green building. encourages projects to use integrated design, bringing key members of the project team together often in the schematic design phase to discuss the project, set goals and accountability, and solve potential problems up front rather than during construction when its often more costly. Thanks to Green Communities, those who are pursuing LEED for Homes and participate in a Design Charrette, may be eligible for up to a $5,000 grant prior to the charrette.

Eligible Applicants

• Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribally designated housing entities; and for-profit entities participating through joint ventures with qualified organizations.
• Please note that applications for joint ventures must identify the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization as the legal entity to receive the grant, if awarded funding.
• The applicant and the development team must demonstrate their qualifications to successfully carry out the proposed development.

Target Projects

• Projects must be subject to firm site control or evidence that site control is imminent. Applicant must identify whether proposed project site is an occupied or unoccupied property.
• Projects must involve new construction of residential units or rehab at an estimated cost of $3,000 or more per unit.
• Projects applying for pre-development Charrette funds must be in the early stages of planning or schematic design phase of development.

Intended Uses of Funds

Funds may be used to cover the cost of conducting a Green Communities Charrette. Expenses include: pre-qualified consultant fee for facilitation; consultant travel costs, not to exceed $1,000; meeting preparation costs, such as creating invitations, meeting and follow-up materials, venue and program support time all not to exceed a combined total of $800. Food is not an allowable expense.

Please note that consultants selected must adhere to the rate policy established by the federal provider of these dollars.

Grant Amounts

Grantees will be required to provide a match of 3:1 in private dollars. Match must be achieved at the beginning of the grant period of performance. Back up documentation must also be submitted to provide confirmation of these sources.

Grant Application and Approval Process

• Submit Charrette Grant application. At application stage, applicants must identify the development goals, intended outcomes, and facilitator information. Please consult your Green Rater and/or LEED APH to discuss outcome of Charrette.
• Receive acknowledgement from Enterprise regarding whether the grant has been approved, denied or approved with conditions. Because funds are limited, Enterprise will reserve the right to negotiate with grant applicants to determine the highest and best use of Green Communities grants in a specific project.
• Execute a Charrette Grant Agreement with Enterprise.
• Charrette Grant applications are reviewed once per month. Applicants will be notified within 4-6 weeks after submission.

More details at http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/funding/grants/charrette.asp?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRokv63KZKXonjHpfsX64usqW7Hr08Yy0EZ5VunJEUWy24AIS