Sponsorship Program

The Sponsorship Program offered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy operates through its Energy Unit within the Materials Management Division. EGLE is a state agency responsible for protecting Michigan’s environment and public health while advancing energy policy and climate action. This funding opportunity is part of a broader initiative to support energy-related education, planning, and implementation across the state. The program aligns with statewide priorities to increase adoption of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and provide accessible information that enables informed decision making by communities, businesses, and residents. The purpose of the program is to provide financial support for events, training activities, research, and planning efforts that advance energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. Eligible activities include educational workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, feasibility and pre-feasibility studies, and workforce development initiatives. The program emphasizes projects that promote decarbonization, reduce energy consumption, improve compliance with energy codes, and expand awareness of emerging energy technologies. It is designed not only to fund direct activities but also to generate publicly accessible knowledge through shared materials such as presentations, summaries, and training outputs. Funding is provided through a combination of sponsorship awards for events and larger grants for research and planning projects. Individual event sponsorships may be awarded up to ten thousand dollars, while research-oriented awards can reach up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars. The total funding available for the program is approximately two hundred fifty thousand dollars. All awards are reimbursement-based, meaning recipients must incur and document expenses prior to receiving payment. Costs must be allowable under federal and state regulations, and certain expenses such as vehicles, real property, and memberships are explicitly disallowed. Applicants must submit a detailed budget and narrative using the approved budget form. A cost share requirement applies to applicants. For event sponsorships, a minimum one-to-one match is required, meaning recipients must contribute an equal amount of funding or in-kind support. In the broader RFP context, applicants may also be required to provide at least twenty five percent of total project costs as match, depending on the project type. Acceptable match sources include cash contributions, in-kind support, or third-party funding, all of which must be documented and meet the same standards as reimbursable expenses. This requirement ensures shared investment and commitment to project success. Eligibility for the program includes a range of Michigan-based entities. Public sector organizations, nonprofit organizations such as 501c3 and 501c6 entities, and small businesses with fewer than five hundred employees may apply. Applicants must be physically located in Michigan and must propose projects that directly address energy efficiency, renewable energy, or related topics. Additional eligibility requirements include obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and complying with all federal and state grant regulations. Projects must be conducted within Michigan and must produce outcomes that can be shared publicly. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal that addresses program objectives, priorities, and required tasks. Applicants must complete an online application, submit a detailed budget form with narrative, and provide supporting documentation such as timelines, organizational charts, and financial statements. Additional forms may be required depending on project characteristics, including environmental compliance documentation. Applications must be submitted at least ninety days prior to the proposed event start date for sponsorship requests. Proposals are reviewed based on criteria including project scope, feasibility, impact, organizational experience, and alignment with program priorities. The timeline for this funding opportunity is structured as a rolling application process. The application period opened on April twenty two, two thousand twenty six, and proposals are accepted until all funds are allocated. Awards are issued on a first come, first served basis, and selected applicants must enter into a grant agreement before beginning project activities. The grant period typically begins one to two months after application submission and extends through August thirty one, two thousand twenty seven, with final reporting due by September thirty, two thousand twenty seven. Applicants are required to submit progress updates, final reports, and financial documentation, and must request reimbursement within thirty days of completing their project activities. Program inquiries may be directed to the designated contact via email or phone.

Ensure alignment with program priorities such as energy efficiency and renewable energy; provide clear scope and measurable outcomes; submit complete documentation to avoid rejection