Grants for City or township governments - Energy

Modification 0004 - See the Modification table in the FOA document. This Infrastructure Exchange instance is for applications for ROUND 2 of the subject Funding Opportunity Announcement. Round 1 of this opportunity closed on 4/30/2024 for submissions in Infrastructure Exchange under record/FOA number DE-FOA-0003056 DE-FOA-0003056 Round 1 record is here: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIda25503b3-faa7-4a9e-8216-579246093ec7 This opportunity is now open for Round 2 Full Application submissions until the deadline of 9/13/2024 at 5:00 PM ET. Due to system limitations, submissions for Round 2 Full Applications will be accepted in Infrastructure Exchange under record/FOA number DE-RD2-0003056. Note that Modification 003 removes the requirement for Concept Paper submissions and the opportunity is now open for full applications. The Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) is issuing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Awards made under this FOA will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by Section 50131 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) provides up to $1 billion for States and units of local government with the authority to adopt building energy codes to adopt and implement the latest building energy codes, zero energy building codes, or equivalent codes or standards. An energy code is one of several types of building codes that help contribute to the overall health, safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience of buildings. Energy codes can be adopted directly as a standalone code, such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which is commonly adopted by States and local governments. Moreover, energy codes are also fundamental components of certain more broadly adopted building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), which are referenced in the United States as parental codes. Energy codes are often described as a subset of these broader building codes, representing distinct chapters of the IBC and IRC alongside other commonly recognized provisions, such as those pertaining to structural, plumbing, or electrical requirements, and other basic aspects of building design and construction. Adoption and implementation of such codes supports the decarbonization of new and existing residential and commercial buildings. This opportunity assists eligible entities in further decarbonizing their buildings through the adoption of the latest national model building energy codes, zero energy codes, other codes that deliver equivalent or greater energy savings, including innovative approaches to decarbonize existing buildings through certain measurable and enforceable requirements. The IRA is unprecedented in its opportunity to support sustainable change at the State and local level with respect to advancing the energy efficiency of new, renovated, and existing buildings. DOE is particularly interested in supporting States and local governments in implementing local capacity building, multi-year investments in workforce and education, and long-term improvements in building energy codes through multi-cycle adoption and building performance standards (BPS). Building energy codes establish minimum levels of energy efficiency for new and existing residential and commercial buildings. Model energy codes, such as the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, are developed and updated through national consensus processes. States and local governments ultimately implement building energy codes, which are handled through various adoption, compliance, and enforcement processes and can vary widely across the United States. Many States have consistently received funding through their State Energy Plan to support the adoption of traditional building energy codes. In addition to this competitive funding opportunity announcement a formal funding announcement was published on September 19, 2023 for States pursuing pre-approved code packages.

This funding opportunity supports cities, counties, and organizations in Iowa to implement urban conservation projects that reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality through stormwater management and community education.

This funding opportunity is designed to support local nonprofits, government entities, and public school agencies in Buena Vista County with various project needs.

This program provides financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners in Scituate, Massachusetts, to make essential health and safety repairs and modifications to their primary residences.

The Oregon Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease overall community energy use, and improve energy efficiency across various sectors including transportation and buildings. This initiative is aligned with a broader mission to build a clean and equitable energy economy, specifically prioritizing disadvantaged communities and promoting equity and inclusion in workforce development and deployment activities. The program seeks to solicit subgrant applications from eligible local governments not already receiving direct EECBG formula grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, through a rolling selection process. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Oregon units of local government and the communities they serve. The impact goals are centered on environmental sustainability and maximizing benefits to communities. Key objectives include reducing fossil fuel emissions in an environmentally sustainable manner, reducing a community's total energy use, and improving energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, and other sectors. A significant focus is placed on the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that disadvantaged communities are prioritized in the transition to a clean energy economy. The program prioritizes projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation. The Oregon Department of Energy has approximately $1.2 million available for these grants, with individual grant amounts ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 for qualifying communities. The strategic priorities are clearly outlined through the objectives, emphasizing a holistic approach to energy conservation and equitable distribution of benefits. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in fossil fuel emissions and total energy consumption within participating communities. Improved energy efficiency in various sectors and the creation of equitable workforce opportunities in the clean energy sector are also anticipated. The grant duration for projects is generally 24 months from the date of the Performance Agreement, allowing sufficient time for implementation and completion of the energy-saving initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in Connecticut for environmental assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites, particularly in underserved communities, to promote the creation of parks and recreational spaces.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations and public entities in Illinois to develop and plan community solar projects that benefit low-income households and historically disadvantaged communities.

The Small Business Equity Fund (SBEF) grant program, launched by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), provides funding to small businesses in disproportionately impacted communities, specifically Aurora and Commerce City, for energy efficiency upgrades. The program aims to support local small businesses, promote equity and resource efficiency, and enhance operational sustainability. Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000 per business for installations of LED lighting and other small energy upgrades, as well as upfront coverage of up to 70% of the cost for commercial refrigeration equipment replacements. Projects must be approved by the Colorado Green Business Network and are subject to a site visit for eligibility confirmation. Applications can be submitted online until August 1st, 2024, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses must meet certain criteria such as being located in Aurora or Commerce City, operating for at least 2 years, paying utility bills, employing 50 or fewer employees, and being registered with the CO Secretary of State and IRS. To be eligible for additional energy-saving devices, businesses must sign up with Green Biz Tracker and become a Colorado Green Business Network support level member. Pictures of installed equipment must be provided. For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Colorado Green Business Network Specialists via email at [email protected] or phone at 720-968-0366.

The Energy CLASS (Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools) Prize is a grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Energy State and Community Energy Program Office (SCEP). The prize aims to support local education agencies in establishing and training energy managers to identify, plan, and implement efficiency and health upgrades in schools. With $80 million available, the grant will help schools across the country lower utility costs, improve indoor environmental quality, and reduce carbon emissions. The Energy CLASS Prize consists of two phases. In Phase 1, up to 25 selected LEAs will receive $100,000 in cash prizes to support participation in a 12-month training program. In Phase 2, participants will undergo 80-160 hours of online educational courses and receive one-on-one support and coaching related to building upgrades. At the end of Phase 2, participants can submit a progress report and a plan for future building upgrades for a chance to win a $50,000 bonus prize. To apply, LEAs need to submit a statement of need, letters of support, and demonstrate their commitment to making building energy upgrades. Interested applicants should review the official rules for complete application instructions. For updates or questions, applicants can subscribe on the HeroX platform or contact the Energy CLASS Prize team directly at [email protected].

This grant provides funding to distressed municipalities and registered non-profits in Connecticut to develop or improve urban green spaces and community gardens for public enjoyment and environmental education.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community organizations that provide services to improve the quality of life for residents of specific towns, with a focus on low-income and underserved individuals, in areas such as arts, culture, education, environment, health, and social services, while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This funding initiative provides financial support for the development of a floating offshore wind terminal at the Port of Long Beach, aimed at boosting California's renewable energy efforts and creating thousands of jobs in the green sector.

This funding program provides financial support to organizations working to improve digital access and skills in underserved communities through the acquisition of devices, client-facing IT support, and the development of digital literacy courses.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

This grant provides funding to public and nonprofit organizations in Michigan to implement solar energy projects that benefit low-income households by reducing their energy costs and promoting equitable access to clean energy solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for businesses, nonprofits, and local governments in Washington to install Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, particularly in areas where vehicles are parked for short durations, to improve air quality and promote clean transportation.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region to implement sustainable forestry initiatives that promote environmental justice, improve public health, and create green job opportunities in disadvantaged areas.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a grant program to fund retrofitting existing facilities and related projects that aim to achieve energy and operational cost savings. The program is specifically designed to support public entities in Washington State. While the document does not explicitly state the Department of Commerce's broader mission or theory of change, it can be inferred that this grant aligns with a strategic priority to promote energy efficiency, reduce operational costs for public infrastructure, and contribute to environmental sustainability within the state. The program seeks to empower public agencies to invest in critical upgrades that benefit both their operational budgets and the broader community through reduced energy consumption. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are public entities within Washington State. This includes local agencies such as cities, towns, counties, special districts, municipal corporations, port districts, and authorities. Additionally, public higher education institutions, K-12 public school districts, state agencies, and federally-recognized tribes located within Washington are eligible to apply. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the energy efficiency of public facilities across the state, leading to long-term operational cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. By investing in these entities, the program aims to create more sustainable and fiscally responsible public infrastructure. The grant program prioritizes a range of eligible activities focused on improving facility energy efficiency. These include, but are not limited to, HVAC replacement or upgrades, improvements to other mechanical systems, lighting enhancements, insulation upgrades, window replacements, and the purchase and installation of heat pump and geothermal heating systems. The program also supports broader campus or district energy efficiency measures. These priorities directly address the core objective of achieving significant energy and operational cost savings through tangible infrastructure improvements. The focus is on implementing proven technologies and strategies that yield measurable reductions in energy consumption. Expected outcomes of this grant program include a noticeable reduction in energy consumption and associated operational costs for public facilities throughout Washington State. Measurable results would likely include documented energy savings (e.g., kilowatt-hours saved, therms saved), reduced utility expenses, and potentially a decrease in carbon emissions. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "energy and operational cost savings" suggests a clear intention for quantifiable improvements. The grant's increased cap to $1 million, with a minimum project size of $100,000, indicates a commitment to funding substantial projects that can deliver significant and lasting impacts across the state's public infrastructure.

This program provides funding to local nonprofit organizations and government entities in Bend for projects that reduce pollution and enhance community resilience in line with the Community Climate Action Plan.