Grants for Private institutions of higher education - 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.

This grant provides funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities to create or expand educational programs that engage K-12 and community college students in clean energy topics during summer or academic breaks.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and training organizations in Normal, Illinois, to develop and enhance career and technical education programs focused on electric vehicle technology and workforce development.

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.

This initiative provides $10 million in funding to support solar developers in creating community-focused solar projects that benefit underserved populations through economic and environmental improvements.

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 grant provides funding and technical assistance to organizations that help state, local, and Tribal governments improve their planning and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy projects.

The Denver Business Journal's 2024 Fast 50 Awards program aims to recognize and celebrate the fastest-growing private companies in the Denver metropolitan region. This initiative aligns with the implicit mission of the Denver Business Journal to support and highlight local business success, fostering economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit within the community. The awards serve as a platform to honor companies that demonstrate significant financial achievement and contribute to the region's vibrant business landscape. The primary target beneficiaries of this awards program are privately held, for-profit companies headquartered in the 7-county metro Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, or Jefferson counties). The program's impact goal is to publicly acknowledge and reward these companies for their substantial revenue growth, thereby inspiring continued economic development and providing valuable recognition that can enhance their market presence and attract further investment or talent. The program's core focus and priority is to identify companies based on their percentage of growth in annual revenue over the past three fiscal years (2021 to 2023). Specific eligibility criteria include having a 3-year financial history with revenue gains from 2022 to 2023, an average of at least $1 million in revenue during the three most recent years, and no less than $200,000 in revenue in 2021. Companies must also be independently owned without a parent company and approve the publishing of their financial information. The expected outcomes of the Fast 50 Awards include increased visibility for the recognized companies, enhanced local business pride, and a benchmark for other businesses striving for growth. Measurable results will be the publication of the "Fast 50" list in a special section of the Denver Business Journal on October 20, 2023, and a special awards celebration on October 24, 2024, where finalists and winners will be honored. The verification of reported gross revenues by an independent accounting firm ensures the credibility and accuracy of these results. While the Denver Business Journal's strategic priorities are not explicitly detailed as a "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," it can be inferred that their strategy revolves around promoting local commerce, offering valuable insights, and creating networking opportunities for the business community. The Fast 50 Awards program serves as a key mechanism within this strategy, operating on the theory that publicly celebrating business success will stimulate further economic activity and engagement within the Denver metro area. The requirement for a C-level executive to attend the event on October 24, 2024, further emphasizes the importance of executive-level participation and recognition.

This challenge invites engineers and materials innovators worldwide to create a cost-effective, corrosion-resistant lining for flow meters used in harsh industrial environments, with the potential for significant monetary awards and collaboration opportunities with a leading automation company.

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.

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 funding opportunity supports collaborative projects by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Bulgaria, aimed at strengthening ties between alumni and the U.S. government while promoting American values and innovation.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S. academic and nonprofit research institutions to develop innovative analytics and tools that enhance the resilience and decision-making capabilities of the modern electric grid in response to various threats.

This program provides funding to local governments, utilities, and educational institutions in U.S. territories to develop sustainable energy projects that lower electricity costs and improve energy efficiency.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based institutions in developing innovative quantum computing solutions to significantly improve computational chemistry and materials science for energy applications.

The Agrivoltaics Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program, offered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), is designed to foster innovation and research within the agrivoltaics industry. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to support agricultural producers and advance Colorado's renewable energy transition. The program seeks to integrate solar energy production with agricultural practices, aiming to create mutually beneficial outcomes for both sectors. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text specifies the "Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA)" as the donor. Therefore, the alignment is with the CDA's objectives for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, rather than an external foundation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse and include tribal or local governments, colleges and universities, other research organizations, energy providers (electric cooperatives, utilities), 501(c)3s, for-profit entities, and individual farmers and ranchers. The impact goals are centered on understanding and demonstrating the potential benefits and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics in Colorado, contributing to both the state's agricultural economy and its renewable energy targets. The program aims to encourage innovative projects that can directly contribute to these goals. The program prioritizes and focuses on several key areas, including the construction and expansion of agrivoltaics systems and demonstration projects, research projects aimed at understanding the benefits, incremental costs, and tradeoffs of such systems, and outreach and communication campaigns to disseminate information about agrivoltaics benefits and obstacles. The grant encourages a comprehensive approach to agrivoltaics, from practical implementation to scientific inquiry and public education. Up to $500,000 is available for projects that study the potential, benefits, and tradeoffs, with a maximum grant award of $249,000 for a single project application. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of innovative agrivoltaics projects, the generation of research findings that deepen the understanding of agrivoltaics' viability and impact, and increased awareness and adoption of agrivoltaics practices among the target audience. Eligible expenses are directly tied to these outcomes, covering salaries, travel, direct costs like construction and research supplies, equipment, marketing, permitting, project assessments, and contractor payments, with indirect costs capped at 5% of the grant award. The program's success will ultimately be measured by its contribution to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector and a stronger renewable energy infrastructure in Colorado.

This grant provides financial support to Historically Black Colleges, Tribal Colleges, and other Minority Serving Institutions to enhance their capacity to secure federal contracts and funding through training and mentorship.

This funding opportunity provides $8 million to support U.S. organizations in developing innovative energy storage technologies that improve manufacturability and reduce production costs, with a focus on achieving commercialization and enhancing the energy storage industry.