INDIANAPOLIS — Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Community Conservation Challenge, a grant program that gives out $500,000 to projects related to energy effiency, renewable energy or alternative fuel retrofit.

The grant is open to non-residential entities, including local government, school corporations, businesses and non-profits. Awards range from $25,000 to $150,000 per project. Projects should use alternative fuel vehicle fleets, combined heat and power, biomass, energy effiency, geothermal, hydropower, solar, traffic signal retrofits, waste management and recylcing, water systems or wind energy technologies.

Applications will be accepted until Nov. 15.

To read program guidelines and apply online, visit www.energy.IN.gov.