APPLY HERE
Complete our pre-application to start the grant process. You’ll hear from us within 2 weeks for next steps.
Contact us
- Jacob Alexander, Business Development Specialist, Department of Community Investment, (574) 235-9278, jalexand@southbendin.gov
- Amy Paul, Business Development Manager, Department of Community Investment, (574) 235-7638, apaul@southbendin.gov
Application Process
Please note there are a few differences in the process for receiving the SUNpowered Vibrant Places Grant for solar panels.
Standard and Sustainable Vibrant Places Grant
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- Review the Vibrant Places Matching Grant Program Guidelines.
- Submit the matching grant pre-application form. City representatives will review the pre-application.
- Meet with City representatives and the program architect at the project site to discuss the proposed improvements. The program architect will assist you with design concepts. A City representative will then provide you with an application form.
- Using the design concepts, contact at least two (2) licensed contractors to obtain detailed written estimates for your project. You must call the Building Department at (574) 235-9554 to verify that your contractors are licensed. Estimates should be provided by local contractors when possible. At least two itemized estimates for an identical scope of work for each project component are required with the application. All labor, sales taxes, and permit fees should be included in the estimates. When appropriate, provide color and material samples with the application.
- Submit the application. Applications will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. A completed application must include the following:
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- Completed application form;
- At least two (2) estimates from licensed contractors detailing scope of work with itemized prices including all labor, sales taxes, and permit fees; and
- Color and material samples for the work to be performed (when applicable).
- City representatives will review applications for completeness and scope of work and determine whether the project is eligible for a matching grant. Any grant award will be determined based on the cost of the lower of the two estimates.
- If your application is accepted and your project is eligible for a grant, you must sign the grant agreement. Grant payment will not be made if work begins prior to the grant agreement signing.
- Provide the City with a copy of any required building or sign permits prior to beginning the project.
- Complete your project as approved. Projects must be completed within 120 days of approval; extensions can be granted under special circumstances.
- Notify the City representative when your project is completed. Provide your grant payment request with proof of private investment, such as paid invoices or receipts. Payment will not be distributed until proof of your private investment is submitted and the project is completed as determined and approved by the City of South Bend. The grant check will be made payable to you. You are responsible for providing full payment to your contractor(s). Payment processing may take 2-4 weeks following final project acceptance.
SUNpowered Vibrant Places grant
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- Submit Vibrant Places Pre-Application Form & indicate your interest in going solar.
- City representatives will review the pre-application and if your business is eligible, the City will share the registration information for a Solar 101 information session.
- Register for and attend a 75-minute Solar 101 Session (virtual and in-person sessions will be held twice a month January through May).
- Share 12 months of utility data with the City and our program partner, Solar United Neighbors. SUN will analyze the solar potential of your property and create a feasibility study for a solar project on your property.
- Schedule a 60-minute meeting with SUN to review the feasibility report.
- Collect at least 2 quotes from vendors listed on the qualified solar installer registry.
- Submit the application. Applications will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with a carve out of funding for businesses located in the corridors. A completed application must include the following:
- Completed application form;
- At least two (2) estimates from installers on the qualified solar installer registry and an indication of which installer you will select;
- If your application is accepted and your project is eligible for a grant, you must sign the grant agreement. Grant payment will not be made if work begins prior to the grant agreement signing.
- Complete your project as approved. Projects must be completed within 120 days of approval; extensions can be granted under special circumstances.
- Send utility data 12 months following project completion.
Process at a Glance
Additional Information
- All work on approved projects is subject to City building and zoning codes and must follow all permit and inspection procedures as outlined by the City of South Bend Building Department.
- Grantee is responsible for all project costs until the project is completed as approved and the grant payment is made.
- A maximum of one grant may be received per address per year.
- The City reserves the right to reject any and all applications up to the time of the grant agreement signing. The specific program guidelines detailed herein are subject to revision or amendment by the City of South Bend and the Vibrant Places Matching Grant Program partners. Subject to the availability of funding, this program may be discontinued at any time.