Unless stated otherwise, any tax-exempt organization is eligible for this funding, including but not limited to local, statewide and national nonprofits, faith-based organizations, Tribal nonprofit organizations, schools and other governmental entities.
Tax deduction for energy efficiency measures in new construction or building renovations.
A tax deduction of up to $5/square foot for energy efficiency measures in new construction or renovations that achieve above a certain level of energy savings.
Formerly only for businesses, tax-exempt entities can now transfer the deduction to contractors in exchange for reduced project costs.
Businesses claim the deduction on their tax return. Tax-exempt entities transfer the deduction to a building designer via an allocation letter.
Grants to community-based organizations in historically disadvantaged communities to promote environmental and climate justice.
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.
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, historical disinvestment.
Application deadline is Nov. 21, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Funds to complete community-based clean energy or manufacturing initiatives in underserved communities.
This DOE prize funds community-based clean energy initiatives or projects that support advanced manufacturing. Projects must engage underserved communities and promote environmental, climate, and energy justice.
Community-based organizations, the private sector, and nonfederal government entities may apply.
The deadline for this grant has passed. If it recurs in the future, we will update the website with the new information.
Individuals, businesses and nonprofits can get significant tax credits for buying a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or installing EV chargers.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
Applications are due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Loans to support the manufacture of eligible advanced technology vehicles and components
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.
Eligible recipients include manufacturers of eligible vehicles or of components of materials that support eligible vehicles’ fuel economy performance.
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.
$3.6b in loans for innovative clean energy and supply chain solutions, energy infrastructure reinvesment, and state energy financing institution support.
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.
Click “Learn More” for information on how to apply. Funding to remain available through September 30, 2026.
Funding to improve walkability, safety, and access to public transit
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.
Available to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations
Funds are available to be obligated until September 30, 2026. Click “Learn More” for DOT resources on applying.
Regional organizations were awarded funds to make subgrants to community-based projects
Competition that selected 11 grantmakers, who will make subgrants to community-based environmental justice projects.
Nonprofits, Federally- and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia, local governments, and Native American organizations who are proposing environmental justice projects.
In NC and SC, the subgrants will be awarded starting Summer 2024 by Research Triangle Institute (RTI). Details coming soon.
Funding for community-based organizations to build partnerships for solving environmental and public health problems.
Financial assistance to community-based organizations to address local environmental or public health issues in partnership with local businesses, industry, local government, academia, etc.
Community-based nonprofits and partnerships of community-based nonprofits
98 awards were made in October 2023, including 2 in the Carolinas that may provide benefits to local communities. There will be no 2024 application cycle, but the EPA is planning for additional cycles in subsequent years.
Low-interest loans for improvements to drinking water delivery systems.
Low-interest loans for improvements to water source, treatment, transmission and distribution systems.
Local governments, nonprofit and investor-owned water companies.
This funding is available on 2 cycles per year, typically in March and September., from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.
Funding to plant and maintain trees and create green spaces in urban communities and neighborhoods in greatest need
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.
State, local, and Tribal governments as well as nonprofits and incorporated HOAs
100% of benefits will go to communities in greatest need
Apply through the NC Forest Service or SC Forestry Commission. Click “learn more” for details and other sources of urban forestry funding.
Funding to create activities leading to measurable environmental or public health results in communities in need.
Funding to support government activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms. A variety of projects will be funded, including air monitoring, indoor/outdoor air quality, solar panel installation, small-scale cleanups, community education, EJ tool development, green jobs and infrastructure, food access, and much more.
Eligible entities include:
EPA has selected 88 EJG2G cooperative agreements that will receive a total of $84.1 million in IRA and annual appropriation act funding to help underserved and overburdened communities. Awardees will receive up to $1M in grant funding. You can learn more about the 2023 EJG2G selectees here.
Stay tuned for more information or, if you have any questions, email Burrell.Omari@epa.gov.
Funding to reduce pollution at schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities
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
State/Territorial Government
Inter-state agency
Local governments
Indigenous Communities
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
Annual program of grants and rebates to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models
Available to:
Applications for the 2023 cycle are now closed. Check back for information on the 2024 funding cycle or sign up here to get email updates from EPA.
HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.
Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.
Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.
Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge.
Grants to community-based organizations in historically disadvantaged communities to promote environmental and climate justice.
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.
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, historical disinvestment.
Application deadline is Nov. 21, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Funds to complete community-based clean energy or manufacturing initiatives in underserved communities.
This DOE prize funds community-based clean energy initiatives or projects that support advanced manufacturing. Projects must engage underserved communities and promote environmental, climate, and energy justice.
Community-based organizations, the private sector, and nonfederal government entities may apply.
The deadline for this grant has passed. If it recurs in the future, we will update the website with the new information.
Individuals, businesses and nonprofits can get significant tax credits for buying a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or installing EV chargers.
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.
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).
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.
Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities
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.
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
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.
Eligible recipients include manufacturers of eligible vehicles or of components of materials that support eligible vehicles’ fuel economy performance.
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.
$3.6b in loans for innovative clean energy and supply chain solutions, energy infrastructure reinvesment, and state energy financing institution support.
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.
Click “Learn More” for information on how to apply. Funding to remain available through September 30, 2026.
Regional organizations were awarded funds to make subgrants to community-based projects
Competition that selected 11 grantmakers, who will make subgrants to community-based environmental justice projects.
Nonprofits, Federally- and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia, local governments, and Native American organizations who are proposing environmental justice projects.
In NC and SC, the subgrants will be awarded starting Summer 2024 by Research Triangle Institute (RTI). Details coming soon.
Grants for rural clean energy programs
The funding can provide a financial investment, technical assistance, or other resources to advance clean energy demonstrations and energy solutions
If your community or organization is located in a rural/remote area
The deadline for concept papers and full applications in 2023 has passed. Visit this website for up-to-date information.
Funding to pay the Federal share of career skills training programs
The Career Skills Training Program is designed to provide grants to pay the Federal share of career skills training programs under which students concurrently receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training for the purpose of obtaining an industry-related certification to install energy efficient building technologies.
$10 million will be available for nonprofit-led partnerships with industry and labor organizations leading the program.
Non-profit partnerships are eligible for funding via the State Community Energy Program.
Per the provision language, this program requires nonprofit partnerships between the following entities:
Funding Opportunity Announcement applications are due February 27, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST
For questions, please email careerskillstraining@hq.doe.gov
For more information about this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), please view this information webinar hosted by the Department of Energy on Oct. 3
Funding for community-based organizations to build partnerships for solving environmental and public health problems.
Financial assistance to community-based organizations to address local environmental or public health issues in partnership with local businesses, industry, local government, academia, etc.
Community-based nonprofits and partnerships of community-based nonprofits
98 awards were made in October 2023, including 2 in the Carolinas that may provide benefits to local communities. There will be no 2024 application cycle, but the EPA is planning for additional cycles in subsequent years.
Funding for states to develop a program to train home energy efficiency contractors.
Funding for states to develop and implement a state program that provides training and education to home energy efficiency contractors.
States are eligible.
Formula funds have been allocated to the states. States may apply for additional competitive grants by July 12, 2024. States will set up training programs and must distribute all training funds by September 30, 2031.
HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.
Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.
Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.
Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge.
Grants to community-based organizations in historically disadvantaged communities to promote environmental and climate justice.
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.
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, historical disinvestment.
Application deadline is Nov. 21, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Funds to complete community-based clean energy or manufacturing initiatives in underserved communities.
This DOE prize funds community-based clean energy initiatives or projects that support advanced manufacturing. Projects must engage underserved communities and promote environmental, climate, and energy justice.
Community-based organizations, the private sector, and nonfederal government entities may apply.
The deadline for this grant has passed. If it recurs in the future, we will update the website with the new information.
Individuals, businesses and nonprofits can get significant tax credits for buying a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or installing EV chargers.
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.
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).
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.
Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities
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.
Grant awards were announced April 2024. Recipients will begin funding projects September 2024 or after.
Loans for innovative clean energy solutions and reinvestment in closed or aging energy facilities.
$3.6b in loans for innovative clean energy and supply chain solutions, energy infrastructure reinvesment, and state energy financing institution support.
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.
Click “Learn More” for information on how to apply. Funding to remain available through September 30, 2026.
Funding for economic and community development in the Appalachian region.
The Appalachian Regional Commission uses these funds to invest in the Region’s economic and community development through grants.
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.
Applicants can access application checklists, forms, and other necessary documents here.
To support coastal resilience, coastal communities, and conservation, restoration, and protection of coastal and marine habitats and resources.
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.
State, local, and tribal governments, Tribes, and tribal and Native organizations, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education.
Click “Learn More” for details on how to apply.
Funding to improve walkability, safety, and access to public transit
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.
Available to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations
Funds are available to be obligated until September 30, 2026. Click “Learn More” for DOT resources on applying.
Regional organizations were awarded funds to make subgrants to community-based projects
Competition that selected 11 grantmakers, who will make subgrants to community-based environmental justice projects.
Nonprofits, Federally- and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia, local governments, and Native American organizations who are proposing environmental justice projects.
In NC and SC, the subgrants will be awarded starting Summer 2024 by Research Triangle Institute (RTI). Details coming soon.
Grants for rural clean energy programs
The funding can provide a financial investment, technical assistance, or other resources to advance clean energy demonstrations and energy solutions
If your community or organization is located in a rural/remote area
The deadline for concept papers and full applications in 2023 has passed. Visit this website for up-to-date information.
Funding to pay the Federal share of career skills training programs
The Career Skills Training Program is designed to provide grants to pay the Federal share of career skills training programs under which students concurrently receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training for the purpose of obtaining an industry-related certification to install energy efficient building technologies.
$10 million will be available for nonprofit-led partnerships with industry and labor organizations leading the program.
Non-profit partnerships are eligible for funding via the State Community Energy Program.
Per the provision language, this program requires nonprofit partnerships between the following entities:
Funding Opportunity Announcement applications are due February 27, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST
For questions, please email careerskillstraining@hq.doe.gov
For more information about this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), please view this information webinar hosted by the Department of Energy on Oct. 3
Funding for community-based organizations to build partnerships for solving environmental and public health problems.
Financial assistance to community-based organizations to address local environmental or public health issues in partnership with local businesses, industry, local government, academia, etc.
Community-based nonprofits and partnerships of community-based nonprofits
98 awards were made in October 2023, including 2 in the Carolinas that may provide benefits to local communities. There will be no 2024 application cycle, but the EPA is planning for additional cycles in subsequent years.
HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.
Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.
Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.
Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge.
Grants to community-based organizations in historically disadvantaged communities to promote environmental and climate justice.
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.
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, historical disinvestment.
Application deadline is Nov. 21, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Funds to complete community-based clean energy or manufacturing initiatives in underserved communities.
This DOE prize funds community-based clean energy initiatives or projects that support advanced manufacturing. Projects must engage underserved communities and promote environmental, climate, and energy justice.
Community-based organizations, the private sector, and nonfederal government entities may apply.
The deadline for this grant has passed. If it recurs in the future, we will update the website with the new information.
Individuals, businesses and nonprofits can get significant tax credits for buying a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or installing EV chargers.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
Applications are due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities
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.
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
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.
Eligible recipients include manufacturers of eligible vehicles or of components of materials that support eligible vehicles’ fuel economy performance.
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.
$3.6b in loans for innovative clean energy and supply chain solutions, energy infrastructure reinvesment, and state energy financing institution support.
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.
Click “Learn More” for information on how to apply. Funding to remain available through September 30, 2026.
To support coastal resilience, coastal communities, and conservation, restoration, and protection of coastal and marine habitats and resources.
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.
State, local, and tribal governments, Tribes, and tribal and Native organizations, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education.
Click “Learn More” for details on how to apply.
Funding to improve walkability, safety, and access to public transit
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.
Available to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations
Funds are available to be obligated until September 30, 2026. Click “Learn More” for DOT resources on applying.
Funding to further the Clean Air Act and projects that abide by its standards
EPA announced approximately $25 million in Clean Air act grants. The funds will support efforts by air pollution control agencies and other organizations to partner with EPA to deliver cleaner air through programs that address air quality, transportation, indoor air, and climate change. Other activities may include planning and preparation for implementing other Inflation Reduction Act provisions.
State, local, Tribal, and territorial air pollution control agencies. Eligibility limited to air agencies currently receiving Clean Air Act Section 105 grants.
EPA regional offices will contact eligible entities about how to apply via grants.gov. Grants were to be submitted no later than April 17, 2023.
Regional organizations were awarded funds to make subgrants to community-based projects
Competition that selected 11 grantmakers, who will make subgrants to community-based environmental justice projects.
Nonprofits, Federally- and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia, local governments, and Native American organizations who are proposing environmental justice projects.
In NC and SC, the subgrants will be awarded starting Summer 2024 by Research Triangle Institute (RTI). Details coming soon.
Funding for community-based organizations to build partnerships for solving environmental and public health problems.
Financial assistance to community-based organizations to address local environmental or public health issues in partnership with local businesses, industry, local government, academia, etc.
Community-based nonprofits and partnerships of community-based nonprofits
98 awards were made in October 2023, including 2 in the Carolinas that may provide benefits to local communities. There will be no 2024 application cycle, but the EPA is planning for additional cycles in subsequent years.
Low-interest loans for improvements to drinking water delivery systems.
Low-interest loans for improvements to water source, treatment, transmission and distribution systems.
Local governments, nonprofit and investor-owned water companies.
This funding is available on 2 cycles per year, typically in March and September., from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.
Funding to plant and maintain trees and create green spaces in urban communities and neighborhoods in greatest need
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.
State, local, and Tribal governments as well as nonprofits and incorporated HOAs
100% of benefits will go to communities in greatest need
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
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
State/Territorial Government
Inter-state agency
Local governments
Indigenous Communities
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
Annual program of grants and rebates to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models
Available to:
Applications for the 2023 cycle are now closed. Check back for information on the 2024 funding cycle or sign up here to get email updates from EPA.
HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.
Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.
Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.
Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge.
Tax deduction for energy efficiency measures in new construction or building renovations.
A tax deduction of up to $5/square foot for energy efficiency measures in new construction or renovations that achieve above a certain level of energy savings.
Formerly only for businesses, tax-exempt entities can now transfer the deduction to contractors in exchange for reduced project costs.
Businesses claim the deduction on their tax return. Tax-exempt entities transfer the deduction to a building designer via an allocation letter.
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.
Pays back 30-70% of the cost of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
South Carolina loans for implementing measures that will produce energy savings.
A South Carolina program that provides loans to businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to implement energy-saving measures.
South Carolina businesses, nonprofits, government entities.
Visit the website and contact contact Nat Green, Business Development Center of SC, 803-744-0309, NGreen@BDCofSC.org.
Low-interest loans for improvements to drinking water delivery systems.
Low-interest loans for improvements to water source, treatment, transmission and distribution systems.
Local governments, nonprofit and investor-owned water companies.
This funding is available on 2 cycles per year, typically in March and September., from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.
Funding to upgrade school and school bus infrastructure
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.
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.
Applications are due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Regional organizations were awarded funds to make subgrants to community-based projects
Competition that selected 11 grantmakers, who will make subgrants to community-based environmental justice projects.
Nonprofits, Federally- and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia, local governments, and Native American organizations who are proposing environmental justice projects.
In NC and SC, the subgrants will be awarded starting Summer 2024 by Research Triangle Institute (RTI). Details coming soon.
Tax deduction for energy efficiency measures in new construction or building renovations.
A tax deduction of up to $5/square foot for energy efficiency measures in new construction or renovations that achieve above a certain level of energy savings.
Formerly only for businesses, tax-exempt entities can now transfer the deduction to contractors in exchange for reduced project costs.
Businesses claim the deduction on their tax return. Tax-exempt entities transfer the deduction to a building designer via an allocation letter.
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.
Pays back 30-70% of the cost of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage.
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.
Click “Learn More” for details.
Funds to complete community-based clean energy or manufacturing initiatives in underserved communities.
This DOE prize funds community-based clean energy initiatives or projects that support advanced manufacturing. Projects must engage underserved communities and promote environmental, climate, and energy justice.
Community-based organizations, the private sector, and nonfederal government entities may apply.
The deadline for this grant has passed. If it recurs in the future, we will update the website with the new information.
Funding to upgrade school and school bus infrastructure
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.
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.
Applications are due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities
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.
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.
A South Carolina program that provides loans to businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to implement energy-saving measures.
South Carolina businesses, nonprofits, government entities.
Visit the website and contact contact Nat Green, Business Development Center of SC, 803-744-0309, NGreen@BDCofSC.org.
Regional organizations were awarded funds to make subgrants to community-based projects
Competition that selected 11 grantmakers, who will make subgrants to community-based environmental justice projects.
Nonprofits, Federally- and state-recognized Tribal governments and intertribal consortia, local governments, and Native American organizations who are proposing environmental justice projects.
In NC and SC, the subgrants will be awarded starting Summer 2024 by Research Triangle Institute (RTI). Details coming soon.
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.
Pays back 30-70% of the cost of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage.
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.
Click “Learn More” for details.
Grants to community-based organizations in historically disadvantaged communities to promote environmental and climate justice.
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.
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, historical disinvestment.
Application deadline is Nov. 21, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Funds to complete community-based clean energy or manufacturing initiatives in underserved communities.
This DOE prize funds community-based clean energy initiatives or projects that support advanced manufacturing. Projects must engage underserved communities and promote environmental, climate, and energy justice.
Community-based organizations, the private sector, and nonfederal government entities may apply.
The deadline for this grant has passed. If it recurs in the future, we will update the website with the new information.
Funding to upgrade school and school bus infrastructure
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.
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.
Applications are due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities
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.
Grant awards were announced April 2024. Recipients will begin funding projects September 2024 or after.
Loans for innovative clean energy solutions and reinvestment in closed or aging energy facilities.
$3.6b in loans for innovative clean energy and supply chain solutions, energy infrastructure reinvesment, and state energy financing institution support.
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.
Click “Learn More” for information on how to apply. Funding to remain available through September 30, 2026.
Grants for rural clean energy programs
The funding can provide a financial investment, technical assistance, or other resources to advance clean energy demonstrations and energy solutions
If your community or organization is located in a rural/remote area
The deadline for concept papers and full applications in 2023 has passed. Visit this website for up-to-date information.
HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.
Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.
Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.
Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge.
Tax deduction for energy efficiency measures in new construction or building renovations.
A tax deduction of up to $5/square foot for energy efficiency measures in new construction or renovations that achieve above a certain level of energy savings.
Formerly only for businesses, tax-exempt entities can now transfer the deduction to contractors in exchange for reduced project costs.
Businesses claim the deduction on their tax return. Tax-exempt entities transfer the deduction to a building designer via an allocation letter.
Grants to community-based organizations in historically disadvantaged communities to promote environmental and climate justice.
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.
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, historical disinvestment.
Application deadline is Nov. 21, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Funds to complete community-based clean energy or manufacturing initiatives in underserved communities.
This DOE prize funds community-based clean energy initiatives or projects that support advanced manufacturing. Projects must engage underserved communities and promote environmental, climate, and energy justice.
Community-based organizations, the private sector, and nonfederal government entities may apply.
The deadline for this grant has passed. If it recurs in the future, we will update the website with the new information.
Funding to upgrade school and school bus infrastructure
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.
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.
Applications are due to the Department of Energy on June 13, 2024. Click “Learn More” for details.
Improved financing of clean energy, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
$20 billion across two grant programs to improve clean energy financing options, especially for low-income communities
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.
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.
A South Carolina program that provides loans to businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to implement energy-saving measures.
South Carolina businesses, nonprofits, government entities.
Visit the website and contact contact Nat Green, Business Development Center of SC, 803-744-0309, NGreen@BDCofSC.org.
Grants for rural clean energy programs
The funding can provide a financial investment, technical assistance, or other resources to advance clean energy demonstrations and energy solutions
If your community or organization is located in a rural/remote area
The deadline for concept papers and full applications in 2023 has passed. Visit this website for up-to-date information.
HeroX is a platform for listing innovation challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges.
Prize competition for energy innovation. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to one of the hundreds of challenges listed online.
Teams of individuals, community-based organizations, local governments and Tribal governments can apply. Eligibility may vary by challenge.
Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge.
Energy Funds for All is a comprehensive resource guide that provides clear access to federal climate funds for homeowners, renters, municipalities, and more in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Stay updated as new funds become available, get tips on accessing the funds.
