Energize Denver Compliance Assistance Gap Fund

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The Energize Denver Compliance Assistance Gap Fund will provide up to $50,000 to qualifying buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and larger. This funding can help cover the costs of energy-efficiency, renewable-energy, and electrification upgrades that move buildings closer to compliance with the Energize Denver Building Performance Policy. Equipment powered by fossil fuels is not eligible for funding.

This funding is available to building owners who face financial barriers to compliance and are ready to implement eligible projects in 2026. This Fund is designed to support energy upgrades that achieve compliance targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping buildings affordable and resilient for Denverites and small businesses.  

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Who is Eligible?  

To qualify, buildings must:  

What Can the Funds Be Used For?  

The funds are intended to close financial gaps for energy efficiency and electrification projects. This includes:  

  • Upgrading heating, cooling, and hot water systems to energy-efficient heat pumps 
  • Renewable energy systems such as solar PV, battery storage
  • Insulation, envelope upgrades, and air sealing improvements (must be paired with building electrification)
  • LED lighting upgrades, must be paired with electrification projects
  • Health & safety improvements tied to energy efficiency upgrades or electrification
  • Electric Panel upgrades and EV charging infrastructure 
  • Other improvements that reduce energy use and carbon pollution  

Grant funds are provided after the building representative participates in a round of financial coaching. The financial analysis must confirm there is a remaining funding gap that will not be covered by available rebates, tax credits, and financing options.  

Payment Structure 

To support project momentum while protecting public funds, awards will be disbursed in two payments: 

  1. Initial Payment (Project Start): 

    Up to 50% of the award is released upon contracting and confirmation of project initiation. 

  2. Final Payment (Project Completion): 

    The remaining funds are released once the project is complete and documentation is provided, such as: 

    • Permits pulled and closed (if applicable) 
    • Installation verification
    • Updated invoices 

How to Apply  

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. In order to apply, eligible building owners will:  

  • Submit an Equity Priority Building application and get approved with this 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 showing the project scope, budget, and timeline.
  • All applications will undergo a scoring process (100 points total) based on market scalability, readiness, financial need, and decarbonization/policy benefits.
    • Market Scalability (10 points):
      • Market Scale: Is the solution scalable and innovative to other Denver buildings 
      • Unique Technology Solution: Does the project present unique learning opportunities?  
    • Project Readiness (20 points):
      • Contractor(s) selected and timeline confirmed  
      • Permits secured / construction documents prepared  
      • Clear implementation plan developed (contractors quote, scopes of work)  
    • Financial Need (20 points):
      • Large gap remaining after incentives (still more than 30 -50% to complete projects)  
      • Limited or no access to external financing  
      • Owner has demonstrated financial hardship or thin margins  
    • Decarbonization Impact & Policy Compliance (50 points):
      • Significant energy use reduction (i.e., reaching EUI targets)  
      • Installation should represent a cost-effectiveness (i.e., kgCO2e per $ cost)  
      • Includes electrification or renewable energy components  
      • Supports long-term affordability or resilience goals  

Grants will be awarded based on available funds, with a maximum of $50,000 per building.  

Reporting Requirements  

Grantees must provide:  

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

Contact  

If you're a building owner or property manager interested in applying, or if you have questions, contact: energizedenver@denvergov.org or schedule a call with us. 

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