What does this funding get me?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide $27 billion to states and large nonprofits, who will use the funds to improve the financing of clean energy for households, communities, businesses, and nonprofits, especially in low- to moderate-income areas.
Am I eligible?
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) is actually 3 different funds, each of which will support different groups:
Solar for All ($7 billion to provide low-income households access to solar; see this separate page for details)
National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF)
Grants were awarded in April 2024 to three national nonprofit clean financing institutions that will partner with the private sector to provide accessible, affordable financing for clean energy projects across the country. Funds will finance electric vehicles, distributed energy generation, and energy efficiency upgrades for single-family and multifamily residences, community facilities, small businesses, schools, and others, with at least 40% going to low-income and disadvantaged communities. Awards went to:
- Climate United Fund ($6.97b): Calvert Impact, Self-Help Ventures Fund and Community Preservation Corporation
- Coalition for Green Capital ($5b): see coalition members here
- Power Forward Communities, Inc. ($2b): Enterprise Green Accelerator, Inc.; Rewiring America Community Investment Fund; LISC Green LLC; Habitat for Humanity International, Inc.; United Way Worldwide
Find more information on each of these recipients on their individual web pages (linked above). Their plans are described in their applications to EPA, available here.
Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA)
Grants were awarded in April 2024 to five hub nonprofits that will, in turn, deliver funding and technical assistance to build the clean energy financing capacity of local community lenders. 100% of funds will go to financing projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Community lenders that will receive support include public, quasi-public, not-for-profit, and nonprofit community lenders such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, green banks, housing finance agencies, and minority depository institutions.
Awards went to:
- Opportunity Finance Network ($2.29b)
- Inclusiv ($1.87b)
- Justice Climate Fund ($940m)
- Appalachian Community Capital ($500m)
- Native CDFI Network ($400m)
Find more information on each of these recipients on their individual web pages (linked above). Their plans are described in their applications to EPA, available here.
How can I access the money?
When the recipients announce their program design, we will update this page with information on how to access the funds. Meanwhile, you can sign up to receive email updates from each recipient on their web pages linked above.
What is the timeline?
The grant awards were announced in April 2024, and the grant money will be received between March and September 2024, after which recipients will begin distributing funds to specific clean energy projects.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
If you are installing solar or battery storage, you are eligible for a tax credit. Even nonprofits can now receive the tax credit as a direct payment! Read more here:
Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
Where can I get more information?
- National Clean Investment Fund (EPA web page)
- Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (EPA web page)
- Flyer showing examples of projects that will be financed (Natural Resources Defense Council)
- GGRF Best Practices Pledge and Equity Alliance (organizations working to ensure GGRF is implemented in a way that centers environmental justice communities)
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Sally Robertson at info@energyfundsforall.org.