Federal Climate Funding > Local Government > I want:

Federal Climate Funding For

Local Government

local government hero img
What funding is available to me?

Funding for community planning grants and capital construction.

What does this funding get me?

Provides funds for projects seeking to increase transportation infrastructure connecting communities to economic opportunities, including community-led projects to mitigate physical barriers to mobility and access like highways or train tracks.

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, tribes, and metropolitan planning organizations

How can I access the money?

Applications were due at on September 30, 2024. DOT is planning to complete awards early in the calendar year 2025.

There will not be another application cycle for this funding opportunity.

Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. 

What does this funding get me?

$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities

Am I eligible?

Grants were awarded to 8 large nonprofits that will in turn distribute funds to households, small businesses, community lenders and others. Click “Learn More” for details.

How can I access the money?

Grant awards were announced April 2024. Recipients will begin funding projects September 2024 or after.

Loans to support the manufacture of eligible advanced technology vehicles and components

What does this funding get me?

Loans to support a range of manufacturing, including light-duty vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, locomotives, maritime vessels including offshore wind vessels, aviation, and hyperloop. Loan amount cannot exceed 80% of eligible project costs. 

Am I eligible?

Eligible recipients include manufacturers of eligible vehicles or of components of materials that support eligible vehicles’ fuel economy performance.

How can I access the money?

Funding will remain available for commitment through 9/30/2028. Reach out to the DOE Loan Programs Office for details. 

Loans for innovative clean energy solutions and reinvestment in closed or aging energy facilities.

What does this funding get me?

$3.6b in loans for innovative clean energy and supply chain solutions, energy infrastructure reinvestment, and state energy financing institution support.

Am I eligible?

State governments, local governments, nonprofits, Federally- and State-recognized Tribes, special districts, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, and large and small businesses may be eligible to apply.

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for information on how to apply. Available through September 30, 2026 or until funds are expended.

Funding for economic and community development in the Appalachian region.

What does this funding get me?

The Appalachian Regional Commission uses these funds to invest in the Region’s economic and community development through grants.

Am I eligible?

ARC awards program grants to state and local agencies and governmental entities, local governing boards, and nonprofit organizations. Tribes and institutions of higher education are also eligible. ARC does not award grants to individuals or for-profit entities. Most ARC grants require a match. Match rates are based on the economic status designations of counties served by the proposed project.

How can I access the money?

Applicants can access application checklists, forms, and other necessary documents here.

Help with implementation of strategies to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions while improving energy efficiency.

What does this funding get me?

Designed to help local governments with implementation of strategies to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions while improving energy efficiency. Applicants can apply either for grants or for technical assistance and/or equipment-rebate vouchers. 

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, and Tribes

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for details.

Funding to improve walkability, safety, and access to public transit

What does this funding get me?

Provides funds for projects that improve walkability, safety, and affordable transportation access through context-sensitive strategies and address existing transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity or negative impacts on the human or natural environment.

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations

How can I access the money?

This grant opportunity has closed as of FY 23, but the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program has replaced it. See “Learn More” for more details. 

HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.

What does this funding get me?

Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.

Am I eligible?

Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.

How can I access the money?

Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge. 

What funding is available to me?

Funding for community planning grants and capital construction.

What does this funding get me?

Provides funds for projects seeking to increase transportation infrastructure connecting communities to economic opportunities, including community-led projects to mitigate physical barriers to mobility and access like highways or train tracks.

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, tribes, and metropolitan planning organizations

How can I access the money?

Applications were due at on September 30, 2024. DOT is planning to complete awards early in the calendar year 2025.

There will not be another application cycle for this funding opportunity.

Small grants to fund demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

What does this funding get me?

Small grants (up to $25,000 in 2024) to fund high-impact demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

Am I eligible?

State agencies, local governments, public colleges/universities/technical colleges, K-12 public schools, and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina.

How can I access the money?

Visit the website and click “Learn More” below for additional information, application, and contacts.

If you install solar (or certain other technologies) on property belonging to your tax-exempt organization, you can get 30-70% of the price back.

What does this funding get me?

Pays back 30-70% of the cost of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage.

Am I eligible?

All nonprofits, local governments and other tax-exempt entities are eligible to receive at least 30% as “direct pay” even though they don’t pay taxes.

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for details.

Individuals, businesses, and nonprofits can get significant tax credits for buying a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or installing EV chargers.

What does this funding get me?

Individuals: up to $7,500 on new EVs, $4,000 on used EVs, $1,000 on a charger. 

Businesses/nonprofits: up to $7,500 on new EVs, $40,000 on EVs > 14,000 lbs., $100,000 on chargers.

Charger credit applies only to chargers installed in low-income or non-urban areas.

Am I eligible?

Individuals (as of 2024, even if you don’t owe taxes).

Nonprofits receive full credit as direct payment.

Businesses up to the tax you owe (though you can carry over or sell unused credits).

How can I access the money?

Claim credits when you file your tax return. Nonprofits can receive the credit as a direct payment.

For individuals,  starting in 2024, you can instead transfer your EV credit to the dealer, who will reduce the cost of the vehicle by that amount.

Funding to upgrade school and school bus infrastructure

What does this funding get me?

Funding for energy improvements at 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?

Partnership/Coalition: Consortia of one local education agency and one or more schools, nonprofits, for-profits, and community partners. Otherwise, must be a state, local, or tribal government. 

Funds for development and implementation of energy efficiency strategies can only be done by local and tribal governments.

How can I access the money?

Applications were due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Announcement of grant recipients is expected later this year.

Grants for states and others to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution.

What does this funding get me?

Grants to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. This two-phase grant provides funding of $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants and $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants.

Am I eligible?

States, local governments, Tribes, and air pollution control agencies were eligible to apply. All funding has been awarded. South Carolinians may be interested in the Community Change Microgrant program through the Central Midlands Council of Governments (coming soon). 

How can I access the money?

Application deadlines have passed, but click “Learn More” for details on how to engage with the grant recipients and/or apply for subgrants.

Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. 

What does this funding get me?

$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities

Am I eligible?

Grants were awarded to 8 large nonprofits that will in turn distribute funds to households, small businesses, community lenders and others. Click “Learn More” for details.

How can I access the money?

Grant awards were announced April 2024. Recipients will begin funding projects September 2024 or after.

Loans to support the manufacture of eligible advanced technology vehicles and components

What does this funding get me?

Loans to support a range of manufacturing, including light-duty vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, locomotives, maritime vessels including offshore wind vessels, aviation, and hyperloop. Loan amount cannot exceed 80% of eligible project costs. 

Am I eligible?

Eligible recipients include manufacturers of eligible vehicles or of components of materials that support eligible vehicles’ fuel economy performance.

How can I access the money?

Funding will remain available for commitment through 9/30/2028. Reach out to the DOE Loan Programs Office for details. 

South Carolina loans for implementing measures that will produce energy savings.

What does this funding get me?

A South Carolina program that provides loans to businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to implement energy-saving measures.

Am I eligible?

South Carolina businesses, nonprofits, government entities.

How can I access the money?

Visit the website and contact contact Nat Green, Business Development Center of SC, 803-744-0309, NGreen@BDCofSC.org.

Loans for innovative clean energy solutions and reinvestment in closed or aging energy facilities.

What does this funding get me?

$3.6b in loans for innovative clean energy and supply chain solutions, energy infrastructure reinvestment, and state energy financing institution support.

Am I eligible?

State governments, local governments, nonprofits, Federally- and State-recognized Tribes, special districts, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, and large and small businesses may be eligible to apply.

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for information on how to apply. Available through September 30, 2026 or until funds are expended.

Provides funding for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as the required supporting facilities.

What does this funding get me?

Provides funding for the purchase or lease of zero-emissions and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities and workforce development.

Am I eligible?

Eligible applicants include direct or designated recipients of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants, states, local governmental authorities, and Tribes.

How can I access the money?

FTA awarded $1.69 billion in project selections in Fiscal Year 2023 supporting 130 projects in 46 states and territories. On July 9, 2024 FTA announced awards for an additional $1.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2024 funding to support 117 projects that will improve public transportation in 47 states.

Funding for a nationwide low-emissions electricity program.

What does this funding get me?

$87 million provided for underserved communities, through education, partnership, technical assistance, and outreach in order to reduce emissions from domestic energy generation and use.

Am I eligible?

In spending these funds, the EPA will partner with state, local, and Tribal governments, with an emphasis on low-wealth communities.

How can I access the money?

Docket for public comment closed on January 18. More information TBA. If you have further questions, please reach out to IRAStakeholders@epa.gov.

To support coastal resilience, coastal communities, and conservation, restoration, and protection of coastal and marine habitats and resources.

What does this funding get me?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will spend $2.6 million through direct federal spending, contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and technical assistance. Eligible uses include conservation, restoration, and protection of coastal and marine habitats, including fisheries, to enable coastal communities to prepare for changing climate conditions.

Am I eligible?

State, local, and tribal governments, Tribes, and tribal and Native organizations, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education.

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for details on how to apply.

Help with implementation of strategies to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions while improving energy efficiency.

What does this funding get me?

Designed to help local governments with implementation of strategies to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions while improving energy efficiency. Applicants can apply either for grants or for technical assistance and/or equipment-rebate vouchers. 

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, and Tribes

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for details.

Funding to improve walkability, safety, and access to public transit

What does this funding get me?

Provides funds for projects that improve walkability, safety, and affordable transportation access through context-sensitive strategies and address existing transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity or negative impacts on the human or natural environment.

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations

How can I access the money?

This grant opportunity has closed as of FY 23, but the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program has replaced it. See “Learn More” for more details. 

Funding to reduce pollution at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities

What does this funding get me?

Grants and other activities to monitor and reduce air pollution and GHG emissions at schools in low-income and disadvantage communities; technical assistance to address environmental issues, develop school environmental quality plans, identify and mitigate ongoing air pollution hazards

Am I eligible?

State/Territorial Government
Inter-state agency
Local governments
Indigenous Communities

How can I access the money?

The application deadline has passed. EPA expects to make 4-6 awards in October 2024 of $5-8 million each to support indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction activities over a 5-year period at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Funding to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models

What does this funding get me?

Annual program of grants and rebates to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models

Am I eligible?

Available to:

  • Public school districts, with one or more local/state government entities providing school bus service to one or more public school systems or the purchase, lease, license or contract for service of school buses
  • Public charter school districts responsible for the above
  • Tribal applicants responsible for the above
  • Nonprofit school transportation association or eligible contractor
How can I access the money?

The next deadline for Clean School Bus rebate applications is January 9, 2025. No Clean School Bus grant applications are open at this time.

HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.

What does this funding get me?

Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.

Am I eligible?

Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.

How can I access the money?

Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge. 

What funding is available to me?

Small grants to fund demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

What does this funding get me?

Small grants (up to $25,000 in 2024) to fund high-impact demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

Am I eligible?

State agencies, local governments, public colleges/universities/technical colleges, K-12 public schools, and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina.

How can I access the money?

Visit the website and click “Learn More” below for additional information, application, and contacts.

If you install solar (or certain other technologies) on property belonging to your tax-exempt organization, you can get 30-70% of the price back.

What does this funding get me?

Pays back 30-70% of the cost of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage.

Am I eligible?

All nonprofits, local governments and other tax-exempt entities are eligible to receive at least 30% as “direct pay” even though they don’t pay taxes.

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for details.

Funding to upgrade school and school bus infrastructure

What does this funding get me?

Funding for energy improvements at 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?

Partnership/Coalition: Consortia of one local education agency and one or more schools, nonprofits, for-profits, and community partners. Otherwise, must be a state, local, or tribal government. 

Funds for development and implementation of energy efficiency strategies can only be done by local and tribal governments.

How can I access the money?

Applications were due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Announcement of grant recipients is expected later this year.

Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. 

What does this funding get me?

$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities

Am I eligible?

Grants were awarded to 8 large nonprofits that will in turn distribute funds to households, small businesses, community lenders and others. Click “Learn More” for details.

How can I access the money?

Grant awards were announced April 2024. Recipients will begin funding projects September 2024 or after.

South Carolina loans for implementing measures that will produce energy savings.

What does this funding get me?

A South Carolina program that provides loans to businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to implement energy-saving measures.

Am I eligible?

South Carolina businesses, nonprofits, government entities.

How can I access the money?

Visit the website and contact contact Nat Green, Business Development Center of SC, 803-744-0309, NGreen@BDCofSC.org.

Funding for a nationwide low-emissions electricity program.

What does this funding get me?

$87 million provided for underserved communities, through education, partnership, technical assistance, and outreach in order to reduce emissions from domestic energy generation and use.

Am I eligible?

In spending these funds, the EPA will partner with state, local, and Tribal governments, with an emphasis on low-wealth communities.

How can I access the money?

Docket for public comment closed on January 18. More information TBA. If you have further questions, please reach out to IRAStakeholders@epa.gov.

Help with implementation of strategies to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions while improving energy efficiency.

What does this funding get me?

Designed to help local governments with implementation of strategies to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions while improving energy efficiency. Applicants can apply either for grants or for technical assistance and/or equipment-rebate vouchers. 

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, and Tribes

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for details.

This EPA competition selected 11 grantmakers, who will make subgrants to community-based environmental justice projects beginning Fall 2024.

What does this funding get me?

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) will make subgrants for a variety of environmental justice projects. 

Am I eligible?

Nonprofits, Federally- and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia, local governments, and Native American organizations who are proposing environmental justice projects.

How can I access the money?

In EPA Region 4 (including NC and SC), eligible entities can apply for subgrants starting Fall 2024. Click “Learn More” or visit  region4.thrivingenvironments.org for updates.

Low-interest and no-interest loans for local government to fund wastewater and stormwater improvements.

What does this funding get me?

Low-interest loans and some principal-forgiveness and 0% interest loans for improvements to wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, stream restoration, and energy efficiency of waste water treatment and collection systems.

Am I eligible?

Local governments

How can I access the money?

This funding is available on 2 cycles per year, typically in March and September, from the NC Department of Environmental Quality. The current funding cycle opened on July 30, 2024 with applications due by Sept. 30, 2024.

Loans and grants to increase energy efficiency and improve the comfort of buildings.

What does this funding get me?

Loans and grants for energy efficiency audits, upgrades, and retrofits to increase energy efficiency and improve the comfort of buildings.

Am I eligible?

State Energy Offices will receive the funds and then provide grants and loans to homeowners, businesses, local governments, and nonprofits.

How can I access the money?

Awards to states anticipated by the end of 2024. As of October 30, 2024, the Carolinas have not received any funding.

What funding is available to me?

Funding for community planning grants and capital construction.

What does this funding get me?

Provides funds for projects seeking to increase transportation infrastructure connecting communities to economic opportunities, including community-led projects to mitigate physical barriers to mobility and access like highways or train tracks.

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, tribes, and metropolitan planning organizations

How can I access the money?

Applications were due at on September 30, 2024. DOT is planning to complete awards early in the calendar year 2025.

There will not be another application cycle for this funding opportunity.

Funding to improve walkability, safety, and access to public transit

What does this funding get me?

Provides funds for projects that improve walkability, safety, and affordable transportation access through context-sensitive strategies and address existing transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity or negative impacts on the human or natural environment.

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations

How can I access the money?

This grant opportunity has closed as of FY 23, but the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program has replaced it. See “Learn More” for more details. 

What funding is available to me?

Small grants to fund demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

What does this funding get me?

Small grants (up to $25,000 in 2024) to fund high-impact demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

Am I eligible?

State agencies, local governments, public colleges/universities/technical colleges, K-12 public schools, and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina.

How can I access the money?

Visit the website and click “Learn More” below for additional information, application, and contacts.

Individuals, businesses, and nonprofits can get significant tax credits for buying a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or installing EV chargers.

What does this funding get me?

Individuals: up to $7,500 on new EVs, $4,000 on used EVs, $1,000 on a charger. 

Businesses/nonprofits: up to $7,500 on new EVs, $40,000 on EVs > 14,000 lbs., $100,000 on chargers.

Charger credit applies only to chargers installed in low-income or non-urban areas.

Am I eligible?

Individuals (as of 2024, even if you don’t owe taxes).

Nonprofits receive full credit as direct payment.

Businesses up to the tax you owe (though you can carry over or sell unused credits).

How can I access the money?

Claim credits when you file your tax return. Nonprofits can receive the credit as a direct payment.

For individuals,  starting in 2024, you can instead transfer your EV credit to the dealer, who will reduce the cost of the vehicle by that amount.

Funding to upgrade school and school bus infrastructure

What does this funding get me?

Funding for energy improvements at 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?

Partnership/Coalition: Consortia of one local education agency and one or more schools, nonprofits, for-profits, and community partners. Otherwise, must be a state, local, or tribal government. 

Funds for development and implementation of energy efficiency strategies can only be done by local and tribal governments.

How can I access the money?

Applications were due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Announcement of grant recipients is expected later this year.

Funding to reduce pollution at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities

What does this funding get me?

Grants and other activities to monitor and reduce air pollution and GHG emissions at schools in low-income and disadvantage communities; technical assistance to address environmental issues, develop school environmental quality plans, identify and mitigate ongoing air pollution hazards

Am I eligible?

State/Territorial Government
Inter-state agency
Local governments
Indigenous Communities

How can I access the money?

The application deadline has passed. EPA expects to make 4-6 awards in October 2024 of $5-8 million each to support indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction activities over a 5-year period at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Funding to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models

What does this funding get me?

Annual program of grants and rebates to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models

Am I eligible?

Available to:

  • Public school districts, with one or more local/state government entities providing school bus service to one or more public school systems or the purchase, lease, license or contract for service of school buses
  • Public charter school districts responsible for the above
  • Tribal applicants responsible for the above
  • Nonprofit school transportation association or eligible contractor
How can I access the money?

The next deadline for Clean School Bus rebate applications is January 9, 2025. No Clean School Bus grant applications are open at this time.

What funding is available to me?

Funding for community planning grants and capital construction.

What does this funding get me?

Provides funds for projects seeking to increase transportation infrastructure connecting communities to economic opportunities, including community-led projects to mitigate physical barriers to mobility and access like highways or train tracks.

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, tribes, and metropolitan planning organizations

How can I access the money?

Applications were due at on September 30, 2024. DOT is planning to complete awards early in the calendar year 2025.

There will not be another application cycle for this funding opportunity.

Grants to community-based organizations in historically disadvantaged communities to promote environmental and climate justice.

What does this funding get me?

Approximately $2 billion to community-driven initiatives in disadvantaged communities that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, advance clean energy, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges.

Am I eligible?

A partnership between two community-based nonprofit organizations (CBOs) or a partnership between a CBO and a federally recognized Tribe, or a local government, or an institution of higher education. Projects must serve communities disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, or historical disinvestment.

How can I access the money?

Application deadline is Nov. 21, 2024 but applicants are encouraged to apply early, since funds are being awarded on a rolling basis. Click “Learn More” for details.

Individuals, businesses, and nonprofits can get significant tax credits for buying a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or installing EV chargers.

What does this funding get me?

Individuals: up to $7,500 on new EVs, $4,000 on used EVs, $1,000 on a charger. 

Businesses/nonprofits: up to $7,500 on new EVs, $40,000 on EVs > 14,000 lbs., $100,000 on chargers.

Charger credit applies only to chargers installed in low-income or non-urban areas.

Am I eligible?

Individuals (as of 2024, even if you don’t owe taxes).

Nonprofits receive full credit as direct payment.

Businesses up to the tax you owe (though you can carry over or sell unused credits).

How can I access the money?

Claim credits when you file your tax return. Nonprofits can receive the credit as a direct payment.

For individuals,  starting in 2024, you can instead transfer your EV credit to the dealer, who will reduce the cost of the vehicle by that amount.

Funding to upgrade school and school bus infrastructure

What does this funding get me?

Funding for energy improvements at 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?

Partnership/Coalition: Consortia of one local education agency and one or more schools, nonprofits, for-profits, and community partners. Otherwise, must be a state, local, or tribal government. 

Funds for development and implementation of energy efficiency strategies can only be done by local and tribal governments.

How can I access the money?

Applications were due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Announcement of grant recipients is expected later this year.

Loans to support the manufacture of eligible advanced technology vehicles and components

What does this funding get me?

Loans to support a range of manufacturing, including light-duty vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, locomotives, maritime vessels including offshore wind vessels, aviation, and hyperloop. Loan amount cannot exceed 80% of eligible project costs. 

Am I eligible?

Eligible recipients include manufacturers of eligible vehicles or of components of materials that support eligible vehicles’ fuel economy performance.

How can I access the money?

Funding will remain available for commitment through 9/30/2028. Reach out to the DOE Loan Programs Office for details. 

Loans for innovative clean energy solutions and reinvestment in closed or aging energy facilities.

What does this funding get me?

$3.6b in loans for innovative clean energy and supply chain solutions, energy infrastructure reinvestment, and state energy financing institution support.

Am I eligible?

State governments, local governments, nonprofits, Federally- and State-recognized Tribes, special districts, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, and large and small businesses may be eligible to apply.

How can I access the money?

Click “Learn More” for information on how to apply. Available through September 30, 2026 or until funds are expended.

Funding for a nationwide low-emissions electricity program.

What does this funding get me?

$87 million provided for underserved communities, through education, partnership, technical assistance, and outreach in order to reduce emissions from domestic energy generation and use.

Am I eligible?

In spending these funds, the EPA will partner with state, local, and Tribal governments, with an emphasis on low-wealth communities.

How can I access the money?

Docket for public comment closed on January 18. More information TBA. If you have further questions, please reach out to IRAStakeholders@epa.gov.

Funding to improve walkability, safety, and access to public transit

What does this funding get me?

Provides funds for projects that improve walkability, safety, and affordable transportation access through context-sensitive strategies and address existing transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity or negative impacts on the human or natural environment.

Am I eligible?

Available to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations

How can I access the money?

This grant opportunity has closed as of FY 23, but the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program has replaced it. See “Learn More” for more details. 

This EPA competition selected 11 grantmakers, who will make subgrants to community-based environmental justice projects beginning Fall 2024.

What does this funding get me?

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) will make subgrants for a variety of environmental justice projects. 

Am I eligible?

Nonprofits, Federally- and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia, local governments, and Native American organizations who are proposing environmental justice projects.

How can I access the money?

In EPA Region 4 (including NC and SC), eligible entities can apply for subgrants starting Fall 2024. Click “Learn More” or visit  region4.thrivingenvironments.org for updates.

Low-interest loans for improvements to drinking water delivery systems.

What does this funding get me?

Low-interest loans for improvements to water source, treatment, transmission and distribution systems.

Am I eligible?

Local governments, nonprofit and investor-owned water companies.

How can I access the money?

This funding is available on 2 cycles per year, typically in March and September, from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.

Low-interest and no-interest loans for local government to fund wastewater and stormwater improvements.

What does this funding get me?

Low-interest loans and some principal-forgiveness and 0% interest loans for improvements to wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, stream restoration, and energy efficiency of waste water treatment and collection systems.

Am I eligible?

Local governments

How can I access the money?

This funding is available on 2 cycles per year, typically in March and September, from the NC Department of Environmental Quality. The current funding cycle opened on July 30, 2024 with applications due by Sept. 30, 2024.

Funding to plant and maintain trees and create green spaces in urban communities and neighborhoods in greatest need

What does this funding get me?

Grants that create projects to plant and maintain trees, expand tree canopy, increase access to nature and mitigate extreme heat, while developing and employing a new skilled workforce.

Am I eligible?

State, local, and Tribal governments as well as nonprofits and incorporated HOAs

100% of benefits will go to communities in greatest need

How can I access the money?

Apply through the NC Forest Service or SC Forestry Commission. Click “learn more” for details and other sources of urban forestry funding.

Funding to reduce pollution at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities

What does this funding get me?

Grants and other activities to monitor and reduce air pollution and GHG emissions at schools in low-income and disadvantage communities; technical assistance to address environmental issues, develop school environmental quality plans, identify and mitigate ongoing air pollution hazards

Am I eligible?

State/Territorial Government
Inter-state agency
Local governments
Indigenous Communities

How can I access the money?

The application deadline has passed. EPA expects to make 4-6 awards in October 2024 of $5-8 million each to support indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction activities over a 5-year period at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Funding to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models

What does this funding get me?

Annual program of grants and rebates to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models

Am I eligible?

Available to:

  • Public school districts, with one or more local/state government entities providing school bus service to one or more public school systems or the purchase, lease, license or contract for service of school buses
  • Public charter school districts responsible for the above
  • Tribal applicants responsible for the above
  • Nonprofit school transportation association or eligible contractor
How can I access the money?

The next deadline for Clean School Bus rebate applications is January 9, 2025. No Clean School Bus grant applications are open at this time.

HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.

What does this funding get me?

Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.

Am I eligible?

Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.

How can I access the money?

Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge.