FY 2026 Energizing Insular Communities Program

The Energizing Insular Communities Program is administered by the Office of Insular Affairs within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Office of Insular Affairs is responsible for supporting the U.S. territories, including Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, through technical and financial assistance programs that promote sustainable development and self-sufficiency. This funding opportunity reflects federal priorities related to national energy security, economic resilience, and infrastructure modernization, particularly in geographically isolated regions that face high energy costs and dependence on imported fuels. The primary purpose of this program is to support energy-related projects that reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, lower electricity costs for consumers, and improve the reliability and efficiency of energy systems in U.S. territories. Projects must align with existing strategic energy plans, energy action plans, or integrated resource plans that are actively in use. The program prioritizes initiatives that contribute to improved energy infrastructure performance, increased efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Preference is given to projects that incorporate domestically produced materials and technologies in alignment with federal energy policy directives. Funding under this opportunity may be used for a range of energy-related activities, including improvements to energy infrastructure, implementation of energy efficiency measures, development of energy storage solutions, and planning or feasibility studies. Eligible technologies include commercially available systems such as natural gas, diesel, geothermal, waste-to-energy, and biogas solutions. Energy transmission, transportation, and storage projects are also eligible. However, the program explicitly excludes funding for solar, wind, and pilot projects. Funds cannot be used to replace routine operating expenses or to support salaries of existing employees, though short-term contracted expertise is allowable. Eligible applicants include local government entities, utilities, semi-autonomous agencies, and institutions of higher education located within the specified U.S. territories. Applications must comply with federal regulations under 2 CFR 200, including requirements related to cost principles, audit compliance, and administrative standards. The program does not require cost sharing, making it more accessible to eligible entities that may lack matching resources. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.gov prior to submission, and should allow sufficient time for these registrations. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.gov by an authorized organizational representative. Required components include standard federal forms such as SF-424, budget forms, assurances, and project-specific documentation including a detailed project narrative, timeline, statement of need, goals and objectives, environmental compliance information, and budget justification. Applications must also include supporting materials such as maps, photographs, permits, and evidence of alignment with strategic energy plans. A project abstract summary is required and will be used for public reporting purposes if awarded. Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage review process that includes eligibility screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Merit review criteria include alignment with strategic energy goals, project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, environmental considerations, and organizational capacity. Additional evaluation factors include stakeholder support, project sustainability, and the potential for replication or expansion. Projects must also demonstrate compliance with federal environmental regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act, and provide clear plans for permitting and implementation. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is May 18, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced during the summer, with a projected project start date of October 1, 2026, and an end date of September 30, 2029. Selected applicants will receive formal award notifications through GrantSolutions or email, and must comply with post-award reporting requirements, including semi-annual performance and financial reports. The program is expected to be recurring, supporting ongoing federal investment in energy resilience across U.S. territories.

Ensure project is explicitly tied to an approved strategic energy plan; prioritize measurable cost savings and reliability improvements; demonstrate feasibility with commercially proven technologies; include detailed environmental compliance planning; emphasize use of domestically produced materials