What does this funding get me?
The US Department of Energy awards funding to the SC Energy Office to fund high-impact demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation. The maximum award value in the latest cycle was $25,000.
Am I eligible?
Eligible applicants include South Carolina state agencies, local governments, public colleges/universities/technical colleges, K-12 public schools, and nonprofit organizations.
How can I access the money?
Download and complete the application form for the fiscal year in which you are applying (the FY2025 application window is closed, but here is the application form to give you an idea). Note that, due to limited funding, the Mini-Grants are highly competitive and only a small number of projects may receive a grant. In order to apply, you must have a Dun & Bradstreet number and a SAM number (System for Award Management). For more information on requirements, see the FY2025 Mini-Grant solicitation (details may change in the next cycle).
What is the timeline?
Applications for Fiscal Year 2025 were due August 30, 2024 and projects must be completed by October 1, 2025. Another grant cycle will open around July 2025.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
- SC Energy Office’s Energy Efficiency Revolving Loans
- Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program run by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- SC Energy Office’s Energy Saver Tool
- Affordable loans for clean energy projects are gradually becoming available through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
- RTI is making subgrants for environmental justice projects under the EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program.
- Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
What are examples of projects that have been selected for awards?
- Beaufort County: Electric Utility Vehicle for Beaufort Solid Waste & Recycling Department’s litter control program, Beaufort
- Lugoff Fire Department: Replacement of over 100 Fluorescent and Metal Halide Fixtures with LEDs, Lugoff
- Montessori School of Columbia: Installation of 8.16kW Solar Photovoltiac System on Learning Lab Building, Columbia
- Pee Dee Farmers Market: Installation of 2 Level-2 Charging Stations, Florence
To see many more awarded projects, please visit the Energy Office’s Mini-grant Program.
Where can I get more information?
- SC State Energy Office web page on Mini-Grant program has more information and details on previous years’ grantees.
- Contact Rick Campana, RCampana@ORS.SC.GOV, 803-737-5229.
- For more assistance or additional questions, contact Priscilla Preston at info@energyfundsforall.org.