Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charging Assistance Grant

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) of the District of Columbia has issued a funding opportunity titled the Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charging Assistance grant. This initiative aims to provide financial and technical assistance to support the planning, installation, and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in multifamily buildings throughout the District. The total amount available under this opportunity is $1,000,500, with funding sourced from the District’s share of the national Volkswagen Settlement. The program is administered by DOEE's Energy Administration - Policy & Compliance Division (PCD), with a focus on advancing clean transportation access, especially in communities with limited EV infrastructure. The purpose of this grant is to expand access to reliable and cost-effective EV charging in residential multifamily settings. The grant will specifically support Level 1 and Level 2 electric light-duty vehicle charging infrastructure installations. The grantee selected will implement a rebate and technical assistance program to facilitate these installations. Rebates will be used for the purchase, installation, and possibly maintenance agreements for EV chargers. Up to 80% of costs may be covered for publicly accessible chargers, while 60% may be reimbursed for those not publicly accessible, such as installations limited to residents of a particular building. The selected grantee will be expected to coordinate with stakeholders, plan outreach, identify installation sites, and support the permitting and operational continuity of the installed infrastructure. Emphasis will be placed on reaching underserved areas, particularly known “charging deserts” where residents must walk more than five minutes to access public charging. Creative solutions such as installations on adjacent lots or streets are encouraged, provided appropriate permissions are obtained. The project must also address hardware service life, maintenance arrangements, and the sustainability of infrastructure beyond the grant period. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (including those with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status), faith-based organizations, government agencies, universities and educational institutions, and private enterprises. Applications must include a narrative, budget, work plan, required documentation (e.g., IRS W-9, Certificate of Good Standing, etc.), and demonstrate the capacity to deliver on the outlined project goals. The application deadline is September 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM, and submissions must be made through the DOEE Grants Management System. A pre-application information session is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM via WebEx. Evaluation of proposals will be conducted by a review panel using a point-based scoring rubric that assesses the technical soundness, cost-effectiveness, outreach capabilities, past performance, and likelihood of successful implementation. Points will also be awarded for the applicant’s ability to ensure long-term operability of the charging infrastructure and its alignment with District transportation and climate goals. Questions regarding the grant should be directed to 2025MultifamilyEVChargingIncentive.grants@dc.gov. Award notifications are expected within six to twelve weeks following the application deadline. The grant performance period begins on the date of award and ends on September 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension depending on available funding and grantee performance.

DOEE recommends registering early in the Grants Management System and watching their four-part training series for new grant writers. Ensure all required documents are submitted in the correct format to avoid disqualification.