Equipment Grants and Lending Library

The Contractor Equipment Grant Program will provide $400,000 in grants to support contractors participating in the Energy Friendly Homes Program. Participating contractors will be eligible for grants of up to $20,000 each to purchase the necessary equipment to meet program home energy retrofit requirements.

Equipment Grants are intended to lower barriers that prevent contractors from fully participating in energy efficiency markets and to ensure high-quality and timely project completion across the Energy Friendly Homes Program.

Equipment Grant Application

• • Contractors applying for grant funds will complete and submit an application form. The application will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete.
  • All contractors must be a participating contractor in the Energy Friendly Homes Program. Visit our Contractor Resources for information on becoming a participating contractor.
  • Contractors may apply to the Equipment Grant program at the same time as applying to join the retrofit program. However, they will not be approved for an Equipment Grant until they are approved for the retrofit program.
  • Contractors receiving Equipment Grants are not eligible to borrow from the Program Lending Library.
  • Eligible equipment includes energy auditing tools (e.g., blower doors, thermal cameras), HVAC installation tools, and energy retrofit installation equipment.
  • Contractors must agree to use grant-funded equipment primarily for Program-eligible work and comply with the Equipment Grant Terms and Conditions.

All participating contractors are eligible to apply for Equipment Grants. Because total funding is limited, applications will be prioritized based on the following criteria:

• Emerging in Energy Efficiency: Contractors who are newer to the energy efficiency field and actively building technical skills through relevant training, certification, or mentorship pathways. Recognizes both new entrants and early-stage firms developing the capacity to perform retrofit work.
• Business Size and Resources: Businesses that face barriers to accessing capital, equipment, or training opportunities to build capacity in energy efficiency.

  Micro Firms 1-3 employees, $0-$500,000 annual revenue

  Small Firms 3-5 employees, $500-$1 million annual revenue

  Growing Firms 5-9 employees, <$2 million annual revenue

• Expanding Services and Access: Contractors adding new scopes of work aligned with Energy Friendly Homes measures (heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, weatherization, and home energy assessments) or who provide services in multiple languages to improve homeowner access.
• Program Participation and Training: Contractors actively engaged in Energy Friendly Homes learning opportunities that build technical knowledge and field readiness. Participation may include BPI certification courses, technical trainings, mentorship sessions, safety workshops, or other approved industry-recognized training related to energy retrofit work.
• Statement of Need and Workforce Growth: Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a statement of need in 500 words or fewer, in the language of their choice, describing:
  • What equipment is needed, and how will it support their business operations or ability to complete Energy Friendly Homes retrofit projects?
  • How will the equipment help them retain or expand their workforce, including the creation of new employment opportunities or participation in the Energy Friendly Homes On-the-Job Training (OJT) program?
  • What barriers have prevented them from purchasing the equipment independently (cost, access to financing, or limited revenue)?

Alternatively, the applicant may submit a verbal statement via a recording or a phone call with our Project Coordinator. Upon request, Energy Friendly Homes will provide access to an interpreter or translator to assist in preparing your statement if needed.

No, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, once the grant funding has been fully allocated, the grant program will close.

Minimal! You’ll only need to:

1. Submit one application form
2. Send receipts for reimbursement

Equipment Grant Application

Yes. As long as you remain active in the Program, you can use it on other residential projects.

As an approved Energy Friendly Homes Program contractor, your insurance requirement has already been met. No additional coverage needed.

Once you submit your application, the program team will review and notify you whether your grant request is approved, denied, or on hold.

If your grant is approved, it will be delivered in two payments. Approximately half of the requested payment will be paid as an advance prior to the purchase of the equipment. The remaining funding will be reimbursed once the applicant has purchased and received their equipment.

The Energy Friendly Homes Program offers a no-cost equipment lending library to support contractors and workers who are new or emerging, in need of temporary support, or are working toward becoming a participating contractor. Equipment can be loaned for 30 days. You do not need to be a participating contractor to request equipment.

Equipment Loan Request

1. Review Eligibility: Any licensed working in home performance or related home energy retrofit trades in the Portland Metro area may request to borrow equipment. Priority will be given to new, emerging contractors or contractors participating in Energy Friendly Homes Program Trainings or who are in need of temporary support in order to become a Participating Energy Friendly Homes Program contractor.
2. Complete a Request: Fill out the Equipment Lending Request Form.
3. Wait for Confirmation: An Energy Specialist or Community and Field Manager will review your request and send you an email confirmation. They will then discuss a pickup date, location, and return date with you.
4. Pick Up Equipment: Bring your ID and CCB license verification. Program staff will review loan terms and demonstrate proper handling if needed.
5. Return Equipment: Return all items by the agreed-upon date (standard loan is 30 days). Equipment must be clean, organized, and in working condition.
6. Stay in Good Standing: Contractors who return equipment on time and in good condition will remain eligible for future loans and priority access.