Grants for County governments - Energy

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is requesting proposals for its Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program which provides grant funding for sustainable energy strategies that mitigate climate change, reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fuels, develop and utilize domestic energy sources, and improve the performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency in the territories. All proposals must be directly and explicitly tied to updated and in-use strategic energy plans, energy action plans, or integrated resource plans. The Office of Insular Affairs will use the following criteria in evaluating proposals: • whether the proposal is identified and supported in the strategic energy plan, energy action plan, or integrated resource plan; • the projected energy cost savings. Multiple project proposals may be submitted. Satisfactory Energizing Insular Communities funding proposals will: • provide a title, detailed narrative description, and budget for each proposed project (inclusive of required NEPA compliance); • provide a complete timeline with milestones that demonstrates the project can be accomplished within 36 months (inclusive of required NEPA compliance); • provide a copy of the territory’s current energy plan, and describe the connection to the plan, impact on foreign fuel imports, and to the extent practicable, electricity costs; • include the applicable SF-424 grant application forms; and • include a project abstract. EIC grant funds are not intended to supplant local funding for routine operating expenses of an insular government or organization. EIC grant funds are not intended to fund the salaries of local, existing employees though they may be utilized to provide temporary, short-term expertise from contractors or consultants to help carry out the project if approved in the proposed budget. Eligible technologies for energy supply and energy efficiency projects should incorporate commercially available technology. This may include but is not limited to energy from solar, wind, geothermal, geothermal heat pumps, waste to energy, and biogas. Energy storage, transportation and grid feasibility studies are also eligible. Examples of projects that were awarded in previous years include: distributed solar, utility-scale solar, integrated resource planning, wind turbines, energy efficiency improvements (lighting, air conditioning, cool rooftop, etc.), plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and supply equipment, net Page 3 of 27 metering policies, debit meters, backup battery systems, microgrids, grid stability and integration studies.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is offering a grant of over $1 million, with a deadline of 10/04/2024, to fund projects that enhance the resilience of the electric grid, support clean energy solutions, advance equity and environmental justice, and create good-paying jobs, with eligible subawardees including electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, and other relevant entities.

This funding opportunity supports research and development of sustainable bio-based chemicals and renewable propane, targeting collaboration among universities, businesses, and government entities to promote clean energy and economic growth in rural communities.

The Missouri Energy Audit Reimbursement Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is designed to support energy efficiency improvements through Level II ASHRAE energy audits. Eligible entities can receive up to $20,000 in reimbursement for audits conducted on facilities located in Missouri. The program aims to reduce emissions, lower total energy usage, improve energy efficiency, and create jobs.

The Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program offers progressive courses with one-on-one coaching to help clean energy contractors to develop a business plan. It provides operational support grants, tailored business coaching, mentorship, access to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program services, assistance with certifications and vendor status, support in preparing bids, networking opportunities, and access to financial development assistance programs, including zero-interest and low-interest loans.

This funding opportunity supports research and development of advanced transportation technologies, prioritizing projects that improve vehicle efficiency and battery technology while benefiting underserved communities across the U.S.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is offering the Community Tree Planting Program, funded by the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) through the 2008 State Legislature. This grant program is administered by the Division of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. The core mission of this grant is to increase the tree resource base in cities and towns across Tennessee, focusing on the functional benefits of urban trees rather than solely on beautification. The primary beneficiaries of this program are communities and local units of government, non-profit organizations, and elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions within Tennessee. The impact goal is to enhance the state's urban tree resources to provide direct cost-saving benefits to communities. These benefits include energy savings through shading, storm water mitigation, rain interception, and improved air quality through filtration and absorption. The program's priorities and focuses are explicitly not beautification but rather the practical, environmental services that trees provide. It emphasizes that trees are "work horses for communities." Recommended goals and objectives for applicants include statements about urban trees providing cooler temperatures, cleaner air, reduced flooding and erosion, improved human health, and food and shelter for wildlife. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the increase in the tree resource base and the subsequent realization of the aforementioned environmental and economic benefits. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the focus on quantifiable benefits like energy savings and storm water mitigation implies an expectation of measurable improvements in these areas. The grant contracts will run from December 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, suggesting that the initial outcomes will be assessed within this timeframe. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $20,000, which further indicates a focus on smaller, community-level projects with clear, achievable objectives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Gulf States to develop training programs that prepare young individuals for careers in the evolving energy sector.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations, individuals, and groups focused on developing innovative clean energy projects or enhancing their capacity to serve priority populations in Massachusetts.

Amendment 000001 - The FOA has been amended in sections I.B. and Appendix H. The amended FOA is viewable at EERE-Exchange.energy.gov. Significant RD is required to reach the goal of affordable, low-carbon intensity transportation fuels and chemical products. The RD activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to addressing the climate crisis by driving innovation and deployment of clean energy technologies. The 2024 Regional Resource Hubs for Purpose-Grown Energy Crops FOA supports the focus of the BETO Renewable Carbon Resources Program in developing strategies and supporting technology development to reduce the cost, improve the quality, increase the quantity, and maximize the environmental benefits of using renewable carbon resources. The FOA addresses enabling the mobilization of low carbon intensity purpose-grown energy crops across varied agronomic and geographic landscapes through the generation of data and research findings. The FOA seeks applications that will support resource mobilization, including improvements to quality, yield, cost, mechanization of propagation/planting systems, pest management, carbon intensity reduction, ecosystem services, and more from the cultivation of purpose-grown energy crops. Data generated over the course of four to ten years will be used to improve modeling projections, adapt crops and/or crop management strategies to address varying climates, understand variations in soil and belowground carbon storage, quantify ecosystem services, and reduce the carbon intensity for specified purpose-grown energy crop systems. There is a single Topic Area in this FOA with four Subtopic Areas, each focusing on different feedstock categories. The Topic Area in this FOA seeks to address the following R needs: Topic Area 1: Purpose-Grown Energy Crops The objective this Topic Area is to fund projects that will enable the mobilization of low carbon intensity purpose-grown energy crops across varied agronomic and geographic landscapes through the generation of data and research findings. Each application selected from this FOA will become a member of the larger Regional Biomass Resource Hub Initiative (RBRH) that will work together with BETOs established Regional Resource Hub Initiative Coordinator, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), to coordinate experimental plans, report data, and collectively achieve the FOA and Initiative objectives. Each submitted application must specify only one of the following Subtopic Areas. Subtopic Area 1a. Algae The objective of Subtopic Area 1a is to support projects that seek to cultivate and harvest as much algae from their given system(s) as possible each year for at least three years. The deliberate cultivation of algae with non-potable water, including all types of microalgae, cyanobacteria, and macroalgae, and algae grown to treat wastewaters is of interest. Subtopic Area 1b: Herbaceous Energy Crops Subtopic Area 1b is centered on enhancing the mobilization of low-carbon intensity herbaceous energy crops across varied agronomic landscapes. For the purposes of Subtopic Area 1b, herbaceous energy crops is defined as perennial plants and grasses that live for more than two years and are harvested annually after taking two to three years to reach full productivity. Examples of herbaceous energy crops include, but are not limited to, switchgrass, miscanthus, high-biomass sorghum, wheatgrass, and energycane. Subtopic Area 1c: Intermediate Energy Crops For the purposes of Subtopic Area 1c, intermediate energy crops are defined as crops planted between the harvest of a main crop and sowing of the next crop. Typically grown for environmental benefits such as increasing soil carbon or reducing nutrient leaching and soil erosion, intermediate energy crops have the additional potential to be harvested for conversion into low carbon intensity fuels and products. Subtopic Area 1d: Short-Rotation Woody Crops Subtopic Area 1d is focused on enhancing the mobilization of short-rotation woody crops across various geographic landscapes by performing regional field trials to examine long term yield and sustainability. For the purposes of Subtopic Area 1d, short-rotation woody crops is defined as fast-growing trees that are harvested within five to eight years of planting. Such trees include, but may not be limited to, species such as, hybrid poplar and shrub willow. Please note: Due to INLs role as Initiative Coordinator and involvement in FOA strategy discussions, INL is not eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient under the FOA and may not be proposed as a Subrecipient on another entitys application. Any application that includes INL as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient will be deemed ineligible, non-responsive, and will not be further considered. Please view the full Funding Opportunity Announcement at EERE-Exchange.energy.gov. Questions regarding the FOA must be submitted to FY24RRHCropsFOA@ee.doe.gov. The required Concept Paper due date for this FOA is 3/14/2024 at 5PM ET. The Full Application due date for this FOA is 06/13/2024 at 5PM ET.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that enhance the domestic processing, manufacturing, and recycling of critical battery materials to strengthen U.S. supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign sources.

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research to increase California’s hydropower generation through precipitation enhancement (cloud seeding). Research funded by this solicitation will foster cost-effective, robust approaches to manage anticipated needs for zero-carbon, fast-ramping resources in the context of a rapidly evolving energy system and climate change.; The proposed research contributes to implementation of the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) 2021-2025 Investment Plan and responds to the strategic objective: “Inform California's Transition to an Equitable, Zero-Carbon Energy System that is Climate-Resilient and Meets Environmental Goals” (Chapter 7). Specifically, this solicitation supports the topic 44 within the Climate Resilience Initiative: “Integrating Climate Resilience in Electricity System Planning.” Hydroelectric power is an important source of zero-carbon, dispatchable power in California. It is a critical element of the state’s electricity system and in-state generation, providing peaking reserve, spinning reserve, and load following capacity, as well as transmission line support (Somani, et al., 2021). The percentage of the state’s electricity supplied by hydropower varies, as hydropower resources are strongly dependent on magnitude and timing of snowmelt runoff and rainfall. Between 2012 and 2021, hydropower (including in-state generation and imports) provided an average of 9 percent of California’s total energy mix (California Energy Commission 2022). As the state continues to contend with drought and other climate-driven impacts on water and hydropower resource availability, as well as develop more sustainable water management practices (California Water Action Plan, 2014), the proposed research will support opportunities for increasing and sustaining hydropower generation. Specifically, the research will contribute to more effective precipitation enhancement (cloud seeding) strategies.

This program provides funding to New York dairy farmers and cooperatives for upgrading milk storage and transfer systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for engineering studies to develop infrastructure for transporting captured carbon dioxide, targeting private companies, governments, non-profits, and educational institutions committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting community benefits.

This fellowship supports U.S.-based documentary filmmakers working on impactful projects by providing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance their storytelling skills.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the design and operation of a facility that extracts and refines rare earth elements from unconventional sources, aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign materials.

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) grant program is designed to actively address wildfire preparedness and prevention needs across California. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to protect and enhance public safety, as well as the safety of California's firefighters and other first responders. By supporting projects in these critical areas, CFF aims to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires and safeguard communities throughout the state. The program seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to a more resilient California in the face of climate-caused disasters. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, federally-recognized tribes, and local nonprofit organizations. Indirectly, the grant aims to benefit communities across California, with a specific focus on under-resourced communities at heightened risk and/or socially vulnerable populations. This includes low-income/impoverished individuals, minority status groups, those with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, and seniors/older adults. The overarching impact goal is to reduce wildfire risk, enhance community safety, and support those most vulnerable to the effects of climate-caused wildfires and other disasters. The grant program prioritizes several key focus areas. These include vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction efforts, which directly address the physical conditions that contribute to wildfire spread. Additionally, the program supports education, planning, and community outreach campaigns to raise awareness and foster preparedness among residents. Finally, funding is available for the purchase of personal protective equipment or specialized firefighting equipment, directly enhancing the capabilities of first responders. In this cycle, a strong emphasis is placed on projects serving under-resourced communities and socially vulnerable populations in areas of heightened fire risk. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in wildfire occurrences and severity in funded project areas, an increase in community preparedness and awareness, and improved safety and operational effectiveness for fire departments and first responders. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact, the focus on tangible actions like fuels reduction and equipment purchases implies a direct and observable improvement in wildfire resilience. The CFF's strategic priority is to support proactive measures that prevent disasters and protect the most vulnerable, reflecting a theory of change that early intervention and targeted support lead to safer, more resilient communities. The grant period for projects is typically 12 months, encouraging timely completion and demonstrable impact.

This grant provides financial assistance to municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land to preserve open spaces and protect water supplies.

The "Circularity for Secure and Sustainable Products and Materials: A Draft Strategic Framework RFI" is a request by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for feedback on their draft strategy for increasing the lifespan of products and materials, which will guide future funding and initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and resource consumption.

The Women’s Fund through Stark Community Foundation in Ohio offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Stark County, focusing on economic stability, mental health support, and neighborhood-based programming.