What does this funding get me?
This program funds energy improvements at public schools:
- Energy infrastructure improvements—like new HVAC and ventilation systems, building envelope and lighting projects, and renewable energy technologies
- Alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fueled vehicle infrastructure
Am I Eligible?
You are eligible if you are a:
- Partnership/Coalition: Consortia of one local education agency and one or more schools, nonprofits, for-profits, and community partners.
- Otherwise, you must be a state, local, or tribal government.
- Development and implementation of energy efficiency strategies using these funds can only be done by local and tribal governments.
How can I access the money?
Funding for 2024 is closed, and recipients were announced in August. The Department of Energy anticipates opening applications for a third round of funding in Fall 2025.
For insight on applying, information on this year’s application procedures is at DOE’s Renew America’s Schools website. This includes a Fact Sheet and slides from the March 2024 informational webinar. Prospective applicants will need to register on the HeroX platform to apply (click on “Solve this challenge”). All instructions and supporting information for applications is at this website.
What is the timeline?
Rounds 1 and 2 of the Renew America’s Schools grant awards are now closed. Round 1 resulted in $178 million in grants funding clean energy and energy-efficiency improvement projects at over 90 school facilities across 22 states.
Submissions for the second round of grants totaling $180 million were due June 13, 2024. Recipients were announced in August and can be found here.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
What are examples of projects that have been selected for awards?
See here for a full list of Round 2 recipients. Read below for details on projects in NC/SC:
- Marion County Schools, South Carolina ($300,000)
- MSCD aims to decrease energy burden in disadvantaged communities (DACs), increase parity in clean energy technology access and adoption, and increase energy resilience in DACs. MCSD will work closely with their students throughout the energy efficiency upgrade projects. Students interested in STEM-focused coursework will have the opportunity to work with the team and be involved in various phases of the project. Students from the local technical college will have the opportunity to receive internships.
- Rockingham County Schools, North Carolina ($300,000)
- The RCS project will include strategies to engage businesses and organizations representing traditionally underserved groups. This project will focus on reducing pollution and fuel usage in schools with high energy costs while bolstering the local clean energy job pipeline by providing educational efforts focused on clean energy, energy efficiency skills, and career opportunities.
- Hoke County Schools, North Carolina ($300,000)
- Hoke County School District (HCSD) was recognized as the second most diverse LEA in North Carolina. The portfolio has 12 schools, all located within disadvantaged communities. The district strives for educational excellence and has struggled to allocate funding to large-scale facility upgrades. HCSD aims to bolster the local clean energy job pipeline by providing educational opportunities at the 12 schools. JCI can provide students with exposure to careers in clean energy and technical expertise for STEM classes. In addition, HCSD aims to increase the opportunities for its facility staff to participate in trainings related to operations and maintenance.
Where can I get more information?
- For questions about the application, email schools@doe.gov
- More information on DOE’s Renew America’s Schools website, including a PowerPoint presentation
- Never applied for a federal grant before? Check out the EPA’s grant management training.
- The NC Clean Energy Technology Center provides technical assistance services related to clean transportation technologies. Click here for more information.
- In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our Get Help page.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance (including technical assistance questions), contact Meech Carter at info@energyfundsforall.org.