Residential Energy Efficiency Workforce Training Grants

The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) of the State of Maine is administering the Clean Energy Partnership: Residential Energy Efficiency Workforce Training Grants through Request for Applications (RFA# 202506092). This funding opportunity is designed to advance workforce development and training in the residential energy efficiency sector. The initiative is part of the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), a state-led program aimed at preparing more Maine residents for employment in clean energy and efficiency-related careers, enhancing business capacity, and promoting innovation across the clean energy ecosystem. The grant seeks to support new and expanded workforce programs that attract, train, certify, place, and retain both new and incumbent workers, as well as residential energy contractors in Maine. Funded programs can include paid internships, on-the-job training, short-term technical training, apprenticeships, stipends for certifications, and business development assistance. Partnerships between educational institutions, workforce organizations, community-based groups, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to maximize collective impact. A key goal is to equip individuals and businesses to deliver weatherization and energy efficiency services eligible for federal and state incentive programs. Eligible applicants must be organized under the laws of a U.S. state or territory and able to operate within Maine. Awards are expected to range between $100,000 and $450,000, with a total of $1,220,000 in available funds. The contract period includes an initial term from November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026, with a renewal option through October 31, 2027 based on performance and funding availability. No matching funds are required. Funding is authorized under Section 50123 of the federal Inflation Reduction Act (Public Law 117-169). Allowable expenditures include participant support costs, training program development, business technical assistance, and related equipment purchases (subject to approval). Non-allowable costs include indirect costs, construction, lobbying, and union organizing. Awardees must comply with federal cost principles (2 CFR 200 Subpart E and 2 CFR 910), submit quarterly and annual narrative and financial reports, and track performance metrics, success stories, and participant outcomes. Applications are due electronically by September 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM local time. Questions must be submitted via email using the provided template by August 8, 2025. An informational webinar will be held virtually on August 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Applicants must submit a completed application form (found in Part V of the RFA) as a single PDF document via email to proposals@maine.gov. No late or improperly submitted applications will be accepted. The RFA Coordinator is Tagwongo Obomsawin, Clean Energy Partnership Program Manager, reachable at tagwongo.obomsawin@maine.gov. Applications will be evaluated by a review team using a 100-point scale assessing organizational experience, project design, outcomes, implementation strategy, budget narrative, and partnerships. Contracts are subject to review and final approval by the State Procurement Review Committee. Applicants selected for funding must sign a service contract with the State of Maine and follow all terms outlined in the RFA.

Clearly identify participant types and proposed outcomes. Highlight partnerships and sustainability.