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?
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?
Round 1 of the Renew America’s Schools grant awards, announced on June 29, 2023, resulted in $178 million in grants funding clean energy and energy-efficiency improvement projects at over 90 school facilities across 22 states.
The Department of Energy announced a second round on March 19, 2024 with submissions due June 13, 2024.
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.
Where can I get more information?
- Prospective applicants can sign up for “office hours” to engage with program staff with questions about the application requirements and process. Office hours will be on April 24, 2024 at 1 pm ET and May 29, 2024 at 2 pm ET.
- 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.