New FY 2025 Energizing Insular Communities Program

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, has released its FY 2025 funding opportunity for the Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program under funding opportunity number OIA-EIC-2025-1. This grant program is authorized under 48 U.S.C. 1492 and seeks to support the U.S. territories in advancing energy independence and efficiency. The initiative aligns with national energy security objectives by reducing dependence on imported fuels, lowering consumer electricity costs, and enhancing the reliability and performance of local energy infrastructure. The total estimated program funding is $15,250,000, with around 20 awards expected. The grant does not impose a floor or ceiling on award size; instead, funding will be based on the nature and number of applications received. The EIC Program focuses on energy strategies tied to active strategic energy plans, energy action plans, or integrated resource plans. The funding is intended for projects that deploy reliable, domestically produced energy solutions or improve energy efficiency, storage, transportation, or grid feasibility. Eligible technologies must be commercially available and include natural gas, diesel, geothermal, solar, wind, and hydropower, among others. Proposals that demonstrate use of American-made components and align with the Administration’s Energy Dominance and Build America, Buy America policies are given preference. However, the funds are not meant to replace local operational budgets or pay for existing employee salaries, though temporary expertise via contractors is allowable. Eligibility is limited to local government entities, utilities, semi-autonomous agencies, and institutions of higher education located in the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and must submit their proposals via Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.gov. Required application documents include standard federal forms (e.g., SF-424 series), a project abstract, a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and a cover letter signed by an authorized representative. Applicants must also address specific technical, environmental, and operational components within their narrative, depending on the nature of the project (e.g., generation vs. conservation). The submission deadline is August 15, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. ET. Anticipated award announcements are expected in summer 2025, with funded projects beginning October 1, 2025 and concluding by September 30, 2028. The proposal evaluation process includes an eligibility check followed by a merit review based on criteria such as goals and objectives (25%), project design and implementation (40%), environmental considerations (15%), applicant capacity (10%), and community or stakeholder support (10%). Projects must comply with all relevant permitting requirements including NEPA, NHPA, and state/local regulations, and grantees must submit semi-annual performance and financial reports. Grant contacts include Krystina Alfano (krystina_alfano@ios.doi.gov) for technical assistance with Grants.gov and Director John Brewer at the Office of Insular Affairs for official correspondence. Applicants must also provide a grant manager’s contact information and, if applicable, documentation on indirect cost rates or lobbying activities. All application materials, including any letters of support, should be submitted electronically via the designated platforms. Recipients will receive official notice via GrantSolutions and must not commence work prior to receiving an Authorization to Proceed, unless conducting NEPA-related activities.

Strongly encouraged to begin SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration early. Use strategic energy plans as anchors. Proposals using domestic materials preferred.