FAQ

Yes, participants must complete at least one action per section.

Yes. Each section has areas to share innovative green practices that are not covered elsewhere.

Once we receive your completed scorecard, City staff will come to your location to review supporting documentation.

The program is free to join. Simply download the scorecard, get to work on the actions, and report back to us with your success.

Yes – so please DO NOT send any documentation to the City with your scorecard to prevent this from happening. City staff will come to your location to verify the actions documented on the scorecard are accurate.

Green business means operating in a way that protects the environment, enhances the community, and maintains a healthy workplace.

The Austin Green Business Leaders program was created by the City of Austin to support Austin businesses and their pursuit of sustainability. Whether you’re an established green business or just getting started, the Green Business Leaders program can help you protect the environment, save money, and make Austin a more livable place. Businesses that excel in the program are formally recognized as Silver, Gold, or Platinum Green Business Leaders—which can give you a competitive edge with customers.

Any legitimate business can join Austin Green Business Leaders. Businesses in the program currently range from small home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies that span a variety of types such as:

• Retail
• Groceries/Markets
• Restaurants
• Banks/Financial Institutions
• Hospitality
• Houses of Worship
• Manufacturing/Light industry/Warehouse

No, the program is open to all AISD and Austin area charter and private schools, as well as cities – such as Round Rock and Pflugerville – that utilize services through Austin Energy, Austin Water Utility, or Austin Resource Recovery. Unfortunately, home school classes are unable to apply for grant funding.

Yes, past recipients are eligible to apply. Contact Mary K. Priddy if you have any questions.

Yes! There is no limit to the number of Bright Green Future Grants each school may apply for, and your school could be awarded more than one grant per school year based on available funding and the number of applicants. A separate application form must be completed for each project submission.

Preschools and grades K-12 may apply.

We understand that the pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty for schools. In the event that your school needs to move to virtual learning, and you've received a grant, we'll work with you on the best way to move forward. This could mean changing to a sustainability-themed online curriculum offered through a local nonprofit, or allowing extra time to complete your project.

Each Bright Green Future Grant project may apply for up to $3,000.

For the 2021-22 school year, applications will be accepted from August 23 to October 1 at 11:59 p.m.

Bright Green Future Grant recipients will be notified in November. Once the Office of Sustainability receives a current W-9 form from the school, checks will be processed and made available for pick-up.