Welcome 

The Energize Denver Compliance Assistance Gap Fund provides financial support to qualifying buildings 25,000 sq. ft, and larger. Building owners can receive up to $50,000 to help implement energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy projects that support compliance with the Energize Denver Building Performance Policy.    

These guidelines outline the Fund’s purpose, eligibility, and application process.

Purpose

Support Energy Efficiency and Electrification Upgrades

• Projects support buildings in their compliance pathway for Energize Denver. 
• Projects reduce carbon pollution from buildings, which improves air quality and health for building occupants and Denverites more broadly.

Reduce Financial Barriers for Equity Priority Buildings

• Funds will be allocated to buildings that serve low-income residents, limited-revenue businesses, or community-serving organizations

Maintain Affordability and Long-Term Building Resilience

• Support upgrades that improve comfort, safety, and operational resilience.
• Lower project costs contributing to buildings affordability and stability for tenants.

Advance Market Scalability and Replicable Solutions

• Support projects that can serve as models for other buildings, demonstrating scalable approaches to energy efficiency, electrification, or financing.

Prioritize Projects with Clear Readiness and Timely Implementation

• Elevate projects that have a defined scope, contractor estimates, and a clear compliance path, enabling upgrades to be implemented quickly and efficiently within the 2026 timeline.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be subject to the Energize Denver Building Performance Policy requirements for buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and larger.
• Be designated as an Equity Priority Building (EPB).
• Demonstrate project readiness through one or more of the following:
• Contractor quotes 
• Defined project scope 
• A compliance path from an ASHRAE Level II energy audit 
• A compliance plan from an Energy Performance Improvement Calculator (EPIC) report or equivalent 
• Maximize all incentives/rebates available

Application Process & Relevant Deadlines

Before you can apply for Gap Funding, you must have an approved Equity Priority Building application on file with the city. If you have not yet done this, please fill out an Equity Priority Building application before proceeding with your gap funding application.  

The application window is now open and will close by September 30, 2026. To apply, eligible building owners will:  

• Submit an Equity Priority Building application and obtain approval for EPB designation. If you have done this previously, you do not need to submit another Equity Priority Building application. 
• Submit an online application that includes proof of project readiness and documentation describing the project scope, budget, and timeline. Your application will require you to attach:                                        
  • Contractor quotes and/or scope of work
  • ASHRAE Level II Audit or EPIC analysis
  • Project budget and timeline
  • Financial documentation for gap assessment (rebates, tax credits, financing)
  • Proof of Equity Priority Building status or application  

All Gap Funding applications will undergo a scoring process based on market scalability, readiness, financial need, and decarbonization benefits. Grants will be awarded based on available funds, with a maximum of $50,000 per building.  

Review Criteria: 

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Project readiness
• Financial need and the size of the remaining gap
• Decarbonization impact (energy savings, emissions reductions)
• Potential for market demonstration or scalability
• Ability to complete the project in 2026

Note: Grant funds are provided after the building owner/representative participates in a round of financial coaching and a financial analysis confirms a remaining gap exists beyond available rebates, tax credits, and financing options.  

Payment Structure:

Awarded funds are disbursed in two payments:

• Initial Payment: Up to 50% of installation cost upon contract execution and confirmation of project initiation (e.g., signed contractor agreement).
• Final Payment: Remaining funds released upon project completion and documentation (permits pulled/closed, installation verification, incentive documentation, final invoices).

Final Reporting Requirements 

Grantees must provide:  

• Confirmation of project completion  
• Documentation of incentives received  
• Final report on estimated energy savings, GHG emissions avoided, and building/tenant impacts  
• Optional: tenant education or workforce development outcomes

Additional Resources

For more details, FAQs, and sample application materials, visit this website

For questions or assistance, contact: energizedenver@denvergov.org or schedule a call here

Purpose

The goal of this funding is to provide up to $20,000 per site to:

Provide All-in Mile High micro-community sites with horticulture & gardening programing and support, all sites have a variety of pre-reestablished growing spaces (i.e. raised beds, hydroponics, and/or container gardens to be utilized for programming). 

Overview  

The City and County of Denver’s office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR), is seeking qualified service provider(s) to facilitate the ongoing maintenance and stewardship of urban gardens and delivery of corresponding horticulture programs at micro-community sites. 

The service provider(s) will be responsible for the planting, maintenance and enhancement of raised beds, planters, and container gardens located throughout the outdoor common areas. These plantings may include shrubs, flowers, vegetables, indoor hydroponic systems, and/or other designated landscaping or hardscaping features. Seasonal plant selection should reflect site-specific conditions and incorporate community input, with an emphasis on water-efficient, ecologically beneficial, native, and climate-adaptive species.

The service provider will also offer ongoing support to residents who wish to maintain individual planters within their assigned patio spaces, encouraging a sense of ownership, engagement, and personal expression.

In collaboration with the residential site’s program operators, the service provider may coordinate community events, educational programs, workshops, and volunteer activities to involve residents in gardening and stewardship efforts. 

The service provider will be responsible for the continued care and maintenance of all greenery within the common spaces through regular service visits, as well as for providing training and guidance to site operators and interested residents to support long-term sustainability of the landscaped areas.

Micro-Community Site Locations

• 2301 S. Santa Fe Drive located in District 7, Overland Park Neighborhood - This site has capacity for 60 shelter units and is designated as single occupancy for adults. 
• 12033 E. 38th Avenue located in District 8, Central Park Neighborhood - This site has capacity for 50 shelter units and is designated as single occupancy for adults.  
• 1375 N. Elati Street located in District 10, Golden Triangle (Civic Center) Neighborhood - This site has capacity for 44 shelter units and is designated as single occupancy, prioritizing trans and non-binary adults.

* Project design and program delivery may vary based on specific site conditions and needs

Project Components 

Project Component- Project Management 

The Service Provider will work with CASR staff to understand and revise the program design. The Service Provider and CASR staff shall review the program design together to ensure a human-centered design approach, a trauma informed lens, and allow for any necessary updates. The Program Design may include but is not limited to the following components:

a. Project Timeline and Budget 

b. Site Design & Implementation 

c. Program Plan & Delivery 

d. Reporting 

Service Provider will communicate with CASR staff regularly to report on the status of the program and to identify and address any issues or concerns as soon as they arise. Service provider, the residential site’s program operators, and CASR staff will have check-ins on program status as determined by CASR staff or as needed. 

Project Component- Provide Horticultural Services at Micro-Community Site

Services provided at the Micro-Community Site must include the following:

• Community engagement to inform ongoing site, garden, and program design
• Planting, gardening, landscaping in communal areas of micro-community (this may include but is not limited to container gardens, indoor hydroponics systems/towers, planter boxes, trees, raised beds, benches, outdoor gathering areas, shade structures, native plants, vegetables, flowers, trees)
• Training and engagement of site staff and residents in required daily and on-going care and maintenance
• Regular garden and site maintenance (minimum weekly)
• Educational program delivery (i.e., workshops, group workdays, classes, etc.)

Allowable Costs 

• Eligible uses of contract funding include but are not limited to:
• Staffing (salary & fringe for program delivery)
• Growing Supplies (plants, soil, seeds, growing kits, mulch, garden beds, containers)
• Replacement Supplies /Materials (pots, hand tools, harvest supplies, gloves etc.) 
• Program Supplies (printing, workshop materials, supplementary cooking supplies, shade structures, outdoor seating etc.) 
• Stipends and/or gift-cards for program participants (highly suggested)
• Operation Costs (staff transportation costs, shipping/delivery fees) 

Ineligible uses of contract funding include but are not limited to:

• Emergency food purchasing 
• Indirect Costs 

*Water costs will be covered by site facility 

Eligibility

• You can apply if you are a nonprofit or for-profit entity (sole proprietorships or LLCs)
• Eligible proposals must have a timeline of no more than 12 months.

AWARD BUDGET

This award will fund one provider up to $20,000, per micro-community site location. An organization/business will only be selected to be a site provider for one (1) micro-community site location. 

PERFORMANCE PERIOD

Contractor(s) must have the ability to begin work upon contract execution with a completion date no more than twelve (12) months from the date of contract execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

Contractor(s) must have experience with garden education, garden design, urban agriculture, landscaping and/or horticulture. 

Application Process & Relevant Deadlines

• How to Apply: Complete the Micro-Community Garden Mini Grant form online by March 13, 11:59pm.
• Required Attachments: W9 and Secretary of State Certificate of Good Standing.

Additional Resources

• For more info visit the program website
• Contact michelle.graham@denvergov.org if you have questions or need assistance.