Innovation

A bright and hopeful day is dawning when we make the conversion from the fossil fuel energy economy of centuries past to a 21st Century economy built on sustainability, efficiency, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture and integrity.

This new economy will not only grow soundly but it will also be replete with quality jobs that our local community and all of America can be proud of. What’s required is thinking differently, breaking the conventional mold and starting something new and meaningful.

Collaboration

CCLI collaborates as a partner in endeavors embodying community ingenuity, corporate responsibility & climate stewardship.

Leadership

CCLI encourages local business leadership. Be a local business leader and join the Coalition of NM Businesses for Climate Leadership Pledge

Recognition

CCLI provides innovation seed grant awards to students, entrepreneurs and other budding or established innovation leaders who are pioneering the new energy economy. Innovation Grant Application Grant Process and Guidelines (see below for the history of recipients)

“There can be no purpose more inspiriting than to begin the age of restoration.”

– Edward O. Wilson
(Biologist, The Diversity of Life)

Innovation Grant Application

The purpose of the Innovation Grant is to help businesses, communities or individuals jump start renewable energy enterprises or other responsible ventures which directly advance US climate change leadership. In your application please get to the heart of the matter and answer succinctly (application length should be 2 pages or less).

Questions

  • Proposal (describe the enterprise for which you are seeking grant support and how the enterprise will advance climate leadership and sustainability while being economically viable).
  • What inspired you to pursue this endeavor and why are you going to be successful?
  • Why do you need this relatively small grant (in other words, how important is earning this small grant to the enterprise’s success)?
  • How will you use the grant funds?
  • How will you evaluate the impact of winning the grant award and the effectiveness of your enterprise in terms of advancing climate stewardship and profitability?
  • Who are your references that can attest to your integrity and commitment (in addition to reasons for listing your references, please provide their names, numbers and email addresses)?
  • Is there anything else you want us to know about you or the merits of your endeavor?

Grant Process & Guidelines

Innovation Grants are available each year;
  • Applications & nomination deadlines are always welcome and rolling annually
  • Applicants can deliver completed applications by E-mail (to: ccli@takeresponsibility.us);
  • Grants awards will be announced every year (all applicants will be notified by email whether or not they received the award and those receiving grant awards will also be sent formal notifications by mail and have brief project descriptions posted on the website);
  • Grant recipients must provide an evaluation on the grant awards with respect to their project’s effectiveness and outcomes;
  • Any changes to the grant process, guidelines or application criteria will be posted on the website – prior to the new year of grant-giving;
  • If you have any questions please direct them to ccli@takeresponsibility.us.

Innovation Grant Recipients

Current Award Winner

2025 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Alan Weisman

For focusing his recent book on the climate promise of visionary people & revolutionary ideas.

Award Letter

Past Award Winners

2024 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Healthy Climate New Mexico

For engaging health care professionals in climate solutions and dynamically integrating climate action with public health

Award Letter
2023 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Lensic 360

For composting excellence and dynamic waste diversion at the marvelous public event series

Award Letter
2022 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Pueblo of Jemez Natural Resource Department

For dynamic and outstanding leadership in forest health and wildfire prevention.

Award Letter
2021 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Edie Dillman with Public, PBC

For outstanding ingenuity and vision designing and building state of the art homes that are truly sustainable, affordable and made with fairness.

Award Letter
2020 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Thomas Bowles with NAIMI

For spearheading the Roadmap for a clean energy future and building a robust network of partnerships throughout New Mexico behind the collective goal of advancing a sustainable economy.

Award Letter
2019 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Renewable Taos, Inc.

For excellence in renewable energy, electric transportation and sustainability advancement for Northern New Mexico.

Award Letter
2018 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce

For supporting the local advancement toward electric vehicles ∓ renewable energy only charging.

2017 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Quivira Coalition

For developing restorative agriculture & soil based carbon sequestration

Award Letter
2016 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Andrea Polli

For creatively integrating art, technology, science & environmentalism

Award Letter
2015 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Santa Fe High School & Capital High School Student Innovation Seed Grant Award

Awarded by CCLI in partnership with the Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce

2014 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Odes Armijo-Caster

Sacred Power Corporation

Award Letter
2013 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Robert Hockaday

of Energy Related Devices

Award Letter
2012 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Tom Bowles

For its effort developing the Green Grid Initiative

Award Letter
2011 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Jemez Pueblo

For its remarkable renewable energy and sustainability efforts

Award Letter
2010 CCLI Innovation Grant Recipient

Noah Kwicklis

(15 years old) For his solar water desalinator invention and his Masters level engineering studies

Award Letter
Award Response

The Climate Change Leadership Institute calls for teamwork and wholeheartedly welcomes financial contributions in order to successfully fulfill our mission.

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