The Community Energy Resilience Initiative (CERI) is a program managed by the Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico in partnership with the Global Energy Alliance for People and the Planet. The program helps critical nonprofit organizations and small businesses in Puerto Rico install solar energy and battery storage systems through a combination of grants, donations, and financing, ensuring they can continue providing essential services during power outages and natural disasters. 

FCPR acts as the program facilitator, guiding applicants through eligibility, technical assessments, and the funding process.

Grant Focus

Supports:

• Solar energy and battery storage systems

• Energy resilience for critical community facilities

• Disaster preparedness and recovery

• Essential community services

• Renewable energy infrastructure

Funding Type

• Capital Grant (renewable energy infrastructure)

• May be combined with donations and low-interest financing depending on the applicant and project.

Award Amount

• The grant amount is not fixed. Funding is determined based on the project's financial and technical evaluation.

• For nonprofits, CERI may provide up to 20% as a grant and up to 30% as a donation, with the remaining project cost potentially financed through a loan if needed.

Grant Duration

• Varies by project and implementation timeline. The current program aims to install solar systems in critical facilities over a multi-year implementation period.