• Since the mid-1970s, many groups worldwide have attempted to build communities promoting lifestyles that are more sustainable, more local and less dependent on nonrenewable resources. As of 2010, the Global Ecovillage Network lists over 450 ecovillages worldwide. Although most of these villages were funded by partnerships and investors, some grants are available to fund the creation of new ecovillages.
  
  

Gaia Trust

• Gaia Trust was founded in Denmark in 1987 with a vision of promoting "a new, global consciousness which sees our entire planet as a living organism with Humankind as an integral part of the entity." The majority of grants from Gaia Trust go to support ecovillages, which the trust views as a powerful model for a sustainable future.
  
  Foreningen Gaia Trust
  
  Storkevaenget 8
  
  2840 Holte
  
  Denmark
  
  45-45-42-5581
  
  gaia.org
  
  

Low Carbon Communities Challenge

• The Low Carbon Communities Challenge is a two-year grant project by the United Kingdom government that began in 2009. The purpose of the project is to help 22 "test-bed communities" lower their carbon footprints. Although the grant is offered to different kinds of communities, ecovillages can qualify to receive grant money, and some ecovillages, such as one in Pembrokeshire, Wales, have received money through this grant.
  
  Low Carbon Communities Challenge
  
  Department of Energy and Climate Change
  
  3 Whitehall Place
  
  London
  
  SW1A 2AW
  
  England
  
  44-20-7979-7777
  
  decc.gov.uk
  
  

Enterprise Green Communities

• Enterprise Green Communities offers grants to communities in the United States to create "healthy, energy-efficient homes." Many of the projects funded involve renovations of existing homes and communities. However, ecovillages can also qualify and apply for grants through this program.
  
  Green Communities Initiative (Enterprise)
  
  10227 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500
  
  Columbia, MD 21044
  
  1-410-964-1230
  
  greencommunitiesonline.org