Grants for County governments - Energy

Amendment 000001 - The FOA has been amended in sections I.B. and Appendix H. The amended FOA is viewable at EERE-Exchange.energy.gov. Significant RD is required to reach the goal of affordable, low-carbon intensity transportation fuels and chemical products. The RD activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to addressing the climate crisis by driving innovation and deployment of clean energy technologies. The 2024 Regional Resource Hubs for Purpose-Grown Energy Crops FOA supports the focus of the BETO Renewable Carbon Resources Program in developing strategies and supporting technology development to reduce the cost, improve the quality, increase the quantity, and maximize the environmental benefits of using renewable carbon resources. The FOA addresses enabling the mobilization of low carbon intensity purpose-grown energy crops across varied agronomic and geographic landscapes through the generation of data and research findings. The FOA seeks applications that will support resource mobilization, including improvements to quality, yield, cost, mechanization of propagation/planting systems, pest management, carbon intensity reduction, ecosystem services, and more from the cultivation of purpose-grown energy crops. Data generated over the course of four to ten years will be used to improve modeling projections, adapt crops and/or crop management strategies to address varying climates, understand variations in soil and belowground carbon storage, quantify ecosystem services, and reduce the carbon intensity for specified purpose-grown energy crop systems. There is a single Topic Area in this FOA with four Subtopic Areas, each focusing on different feedstock categories. The Topic Area in this FOA seeks to address the following R needs: Topic Area 1: Purpose-Grown Energy Crops The objective this Topic Area is to fund projects that will enable the mobilization of low carbon intensity purpose-grown energy crops across varied agronomic and geographic landscapes through the generation of data and research findings. Each application selected from this FOA will become a member of the larger Regional Biomass Resource Hub Initiative (RBRH) that will work together with BETOs established Regional Resource Hub Initiative Coordinator, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), to coordinate experimental plans, report data, and collectively achieve the FOA and Initiative objectives. Each submitted application must specify only one of the following Subtopic Areas. Subtopic Area 1a. Algae The objective of Subtopic Area 1a is to support projects that seek to cultivate and harvest as much algae from their given system(s) as possible each year for at least three years. The deliberate cultivation of algae with non-potable water, including all types of microalgae, cyanobacteria, and macroalgae, and algae grown to treat wastewaters is of interest. Subtopic Area 1b: Herbaceous Energy Crops Subtopic Area 1b is centered on enhancing the mobilization of low-carbon intensity herbaceous energy crops across varied agronomic landscapes. For the purposes of Subtopic Area 1b, herbaceous energy crops is defined as perennial plants and grasses that live for more than two years and are harvested annually after taking two to three years to reach full productivity. Examples of herbaceous energy crops include, but are not limited to, switchgrass, miscanthus, high-biomass sorghum, wheatgrass, and energycane. Subtopic Area 1c: Intermediate Energy Crops For the purposes of Subtopic Area 1c, intermediate energy crops are defined as crops planted between the harvest of a main crop and sowing of the next crop. Typically grown for environmental benefits such as increasing soil carbon or reducing nutrient leaching and soil erosion, intermediate energy crops have the additional potential to be harvested for conversion into low carbon intensity fuels and products. Subtopic Area 1d: Short-Rotation Woody Crops Subtopic Area 1d is focused on enhancing the mobilization of short-rotation woody crops across various geographic landscapes by performing regional field trials to examine long term yield and sustainability. For the purposes of Subtopic Area 1d, short-rotation woody crops is defined as fast-growing trees that are harvested within five to eight years of planting. Such trees include, but may not be limited to, species such as, hybrid poplar and shrub willow. Please note: Due to INLs role as Initiative Coordinator and involvement in FOA strategy discussions, INL is not eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient under the FOA and may not be proposed as a Subrecipient on another entitys application. Any application that includes INL as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient will be deemed ineligible, non-responsive, and will not be further considered. Please view the full Funding Opportunity Announcement at EERE-Exchange.energy.gov. Questions regarding the FOA must be submitted to [email protected]. The required Concept Paper due date for this FOA is 3/14/2024 at 5PM ET. The Full Application due date for this FOA is 06/13/2024 at 5PM ET.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that enhance the domestic processing, manufacturing, and recycling of critical battery materials to strengthen U.S. supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign sources.

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research to increase California’s hydropower generation through precipitation enhancement (cloud seeding). Research funded by this solicitation will foster cost-effective, robust approaches to manage anticipated needs for zero-carbon, fast-ramping resources in the context of a rapidly evolving energy system and climate change.; The proposed research contributes to implementation of the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) 2021-2025 Investment Plan and responds to the strategic objective: “Inform California's Transition to an Equitable, Zero-Carbon Energy System that is Climate-Resilient and Meets Environmental Goals” (Chapter 7). Specifically, this solicitation supports the topic 44 within the Climate Resilience Initiative: “Integrating Climate Resilience in Electricity System Planning.” Hydroelectric power is an important source of zero-carbon, dispatchable power in California. It is a critical element of the state’s electricity system and in-state generation, providing peaking reserve, spinning reserve, and load following capacity, as well as transmission line support (Somani, et al., 2021). The percentage of the state’s electricity supplied by hydropower varies, as hydropower resources are strongly dependent on magnitude and timing of snowmelt runoff and rainfall. Between 2012 and 2021, hydropower (including in-state generation and imports) provided an average of 9 percent of California’s total energy mix (California Energy Commission 2022). As the state continues to contend with drought and other climate-driven impacts on water and hydropower resource availability, as well as develop more sustainable water management practices (California Water Action Plan, 2014), the proposed research will support opportunities for increasing and sustaining hydropower generation. Specifically, the research will contribute to more effective precipitation enhancement (cloud seeding) strategies.

This program provides funding to New York dairy farmers and cooperatives for upgrading milk storage and transfer systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for engineering studies to develop infrastructure for transporting captured carbon dioxide, targeting private companies, governments, non-profits, and educational institutions committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting community benefits.

This fellowship supports U.S.-based documentary filmmakers working on impactful projects by providing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance their storytelling skills.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the design and operation of a facility that extracts and refines rare earth elements from unconventional sources, aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign materials.

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) grant program is designed to actively address wildfire preparedness and prevention needs across California. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to protect and enhance public safety, as well as the safety of California's firefighters and other first responders. By supporting projects in these critical areas, CFF aims to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires and safeguard communities throughout the state. The program seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to a more resilient California in the face of climate-caused disasters. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, federally-recognized tribes, and local nonprofit organizations. Indirectly, the grant aims to benefit communities across California, with a specific focus on under-resourced communities at heightened risk and/or socially vulnerable populations. This includes low-income/impoverished individuals, minority status groups, those with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, and seniors/older adults. The overarching impact goal is to reduce wildfire risk, enhance community safety, and support those most vulnerable to the effects of climate-caused wildfires and other disasters. The grant program prioritizes several key focus areas. These include vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction efforts, which directly address the physical conditions that contribute to wildfire spread. Additionally, the program supports education, planning, and community outreach campaigns to raise awareness and foster preparedness among residents. Finally, funding is available for the purchase of personal protective equipment or specialized firefighting equipment, directly enhancing the capabilities of first responders. In this cycle, a strong emphasis is placed on projects serving under-resourced communities and socially vulnerable populations in areas of heightened fire risk. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in wildfire occurrences and severity in funded project areas, an increase in community preparedness and awareness, and improved safety and operational effectiveness for fire departments and first responders. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact, the focus on tangible actions like fuels reduction and equipment purchases implies a direct and observable improvement in wildfire resilience. The CFF's strategic priority is to support proactive measures that prevent disasters and protect the most vulnerable, reflecting a theory of change that early intervention and targeted support lead to safer, more resilient communities. The grant period for projects is typically 12 months, encouraging timely completion and demonstrable impact.

This grant provides financial assistance to municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land to preserve open spaces and protect water supplies.

The "Circularity for Secure and Sustainable Products and Materials: A Draft Strategic Framework RFI" is a request by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for feedback on their draft strategy for increasing the lifespan of products and materials, which will guide future funding and initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and resource consumption.

The Women’s Fund through Stark Community Foundation in Ohio offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Stark County, focusing on economic stability, mental health support, and neighborhood-based programming.

This program provides funding to local governments, utilities, and educational institutions in U.S. territories to develop sustainable energy projects that lower electricity costs and improve energy efficiency.

This program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative marketing projects that promote tourism and boost the local economy in the Tillamook Coast area.

This grant provides financial support to citrus growers in select California counties to implement sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship, with a focus on assisting socially disadvantaged farmers, women, and veterans.

The Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program is a City of Riverside initiative designed to foster local small business resiliency by offering grant awards of up to $25,000 to qualified businesses. This program aligns with a mission to support long-term economic stability and growth within the community, addressing not only ongoing pandemic recovery needs but also promoting access to valuable partner resources. The program's foundation is rooted in the Department of Treasury State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), demonstrating a commitment to enhancing financial stability for small businesses. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are small and micro businesses located within Riverside city limits, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. The program focuses on businesses with under 50 employees, an annual gross revenue between $10,000 and $2,500,000, and those that can demonstrate a COVID-19 financial impact. By targeting these specific businesses, the program aims to reduce barriers to success and promote equitable economic development. A key priority of the Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program is to offer direct financial support, with grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Beyond monetary aid, the program also emphasizes capacity building through a FREE one-on-one Strategic Planning Consultation. These consultations are designed to help applicants identify opportunities for improvement, develop customized strategies for increased financial stability, and build long-term sustainability. The focus is on holistic support, extending beyond immediate financial relief to include strategic planning and resource connection. The expected outcomes of this program include enhanced financial stability, long-term sustainability, and increased capacity for success among Riverside's small and micro businesses. Measurable results will likely stem from the improved financial health of participating businesses, their ability to sustain operations, and their growth within the community. The program's strategic priorities are centered on recovery, resiliency, and growth, operating under a theory of change that postulates that by providing financial assistance and strategic guidance, small businesses will be better equipped to overcome challenges, thrive, and contribute to the local economy.

The Agrivoltaics Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program, offered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), is designed to foster innovation and research within the agrivoltaics industry. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to support agricultural producers and advance Colorado's renewable energy transition. The program seeks to integrate solar energy production with agricultural practices, aiming to create mutually beneficial outcomes for both sectors. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text specifies the "Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA)" as the donor. Therefore, the alignment is with the CDA's objectives for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, rather than an external foundation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse and include tribal or local governments, colleges and universities, other research organizations, energy providers (electric cooperatives, utilities), 501(c)3s, for-profit entities, and individual farmers and ranchers. The impact goals are centered on understanding and demonstrating the potential benefits and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics in Colorado, contributing to both the state's agricultural economy and its renewable energy targets. The program aims to encourage innovative projects that can directly contribute to these goals. The program prioritizes and focuses on several key areas, including the construction and expansion of agrivoltaics systems and demonstration projects, research projects aimed at understanding the benefits, incremental costs, and tradeoffs of such systems, and outreach and communication campaigns to disseminate information about agrivoltaics benefits and obstacles. The grant encourages a comprehensive approach to agrivoltaics, from practical implementation to scientific inquiry and public education. Up to $500,000 is available for projects that study the potential, benefits, and tradeoffs, with a maximum grant award of $249,000 for a single project application. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of innovative agrivoltaics projects, the generation of research findings that deepen the understanding of agrivoltaics' viability and impact, and increased awareness and adoption of agrivoltaics practices among the target audience. Eligible expenses are directly tied to these outcomes, covering salaries, travel, direct costs like construction and research supplies, equipment, marketing, permitting, project assessments, and contractor payments, with indirect costs capped at 5% of the grant award. The program's success will ultimately be measured by its contribution to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector and a stronger renewable energy infrastructure in Colorado.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for California-based industrial facilities and related entities to implement advanced technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland-based businesses, non-profits, and farms to enhance their energy efficiency beyond existing standards.

This program provides technical assistance to small and vulnerable communities in Maine to improve energy efficiency in public buildings and enhance resilience against climate change impacts.