Clean Energy Grant Programs
In response to valuable feedback from a Request for Information (RFI) issued in the fall 2023 and previous stakeholder input, the Energy Programs in Communities unit is implementing a new approach designed to reduce barriers for applicants, maximize the construction timeline for clean energy projects, and enhance equitable outcomes.
Through a combination of fund sources, approximately $167 million will be available for grants through three tailored application opportunities. The three solicitations will be the primary opportunity to apply for these funds. Funding amounts are estimated and are subject to legislative authority and fund balances.
Round 1: Tribal clean energy grants
Approximately $16 million will be available exclusively for federally recognized tribes and tribes’ contracted service providers to support the planning, design and construction of clean energy projects that promote sovereignty, advance resiliency and contribute to Washington’s decarbonization goals.
To address the varying levels of tribal staff capacity and readiness, applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis beginning in February 15, 2024. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted and Commerce will review applications and make awards at least twice.
Tribal grant resources
- Apply for Tribal clean energy grants (on ZoomGrants)
- Tribal Clean Energy grant program documents (on Box), including full eligibility, evaluation criteria, application materials, instructions for applying, listening session resources, and weekly Q&A documents
Timeline
- February 15, 2024: Application opens at 12:00 a.m. midnight PT
- February 29, 2024: Pre-application #1 conference at 10:00 a.m. PT
- March 5, 2024: Pre-application #2 conference at 2:00 p.m. PT
- March 29, 2024: First round of applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. (noon) PT
- April 2024: First awardees and non-awardees notified
- July 19, 2024: Second round of applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. (noon) PT
- September 27, 2024: Third round of applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. (noon) PT
Tribal Evaluation Interest Form
We are seeking tribal citizens, entities, and individuals with experience in working directly with tribes and who are passionate about clean energy, equity, and anti-racism to evaluate Tribal Clean Energy grant applications. Priority will be given to tribal citizens and affiliates.
The Tribal Clean Energy Request for Applications was published on February 15, 2024 and will have three evaluation rounds. Evaluator panel times are scheduled for the following dates (may be subject to change):
- Spring 2024: April 8th – April 19th
- Summer 2024: July 29th – August 9th
- Fall 2024: October 7th – October 18th
Time commitment:
- Evaluators may choose to participate in spring, summer, fall, or a combination of review rounds.
- The anticipated time commitment per round is anticipated to be 10-15 hours.
Individuals interested in serving as application reviewers should expect to dedicate approximately 10 – 15 hours of time or more per grant opportunity. Reviewers may choose to request to serve on one or multiple review panels. Individuals selected to be on a review panel will receive up to $75 per hour, compensation will be made via electronic gift card, or direct deposit. Evaluators who are current employees of Washington State or employees of the federal government may serve as evaluators but may not receive compensation.
Please express your interest in participating here or email us at EPICgrants@commerce.wa.gov to learn more.
Round 2: Community decarbonization grants
Approximately $67 million will be available to support planning, design and construction of clean energy projects that will improve health, resiliency and economic outcomes for communities that face inequitable risk from energy burden, pollution and other environmental factors. Applications are now open and will be accepted until April 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. noon PT.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate that projects benefit overburdened communities and vulnerable populations by improving environmental health conditions, reducing energy inequities, or strengthening community resiliency.
Community decarbonization grant resources
- Apply for Community Decarbonization grants (on ZoomGrants)
- Community Decarbonization grant program documents (on Box), including full eligibility, evaluation criteria, application materials, instructions for applying, listening session resources, and weekly Q&A documents
Timeline
- February 22, 2024: Application opens at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) PT
- February 28, 2024: Pre-application conference #1 at 2:00 p.m. PT
- March 13, 2024: Pre-application conference #2 at 11:00 a.m. PT
- April 8, 2024: Completed applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. (noon) PT
- May 2024: Awardees and non-awardees notified
Round 3: General solicitation for clean energy projects
Approximately $34 million is available to support planning, design and construction of clean energy projects through a general round which is open to eligible project types and applicants for all funding areas. This funding opportunity is now open and application are due by June 14, 2024.
General Solicitation Resources:
- Apply for General grants (on ZoomGrants)
- General grant program documents, including full eligibility, evaluation criteria, application materials, instructions for applying, listening session resources, and weekly Q&A documents.
Timeline:
- April 18, 2024: Application opens at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) PT
- May 1, 2024: Register for Pre-application conference #1 at 10:00 a.m. PT
- May 16, 2024: Register for Pre-application conference #2 at 3:00 p.m. PT
- June 14, 2024: Completed applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. (noon) PT
- July 2024: Awardees and non-awardees notified
- July – September 2024: Contract negotiations
How to Apply
The Energy Programs in Communities unit will publish a Request for Applications (RFA) for each funding opportunity when it opens. The RFA will outline eligibility guidelines, evaluation criteria, and instructions for applying. Commerce will hold pre-application conferences before applications are due for each funding round to answer questions, and questions will also be accepted by email (no phone calls).
Commerce will evaluate applications across all potential programs and match projects to the relevant funding source(s).
Community Participation in Grant making process
Commerce is partnering with the Department of Health to create a Community Advisory Committee which will review equity and environmental justice components of grant applications. This committee will include community members, especially those with lived experience or working relationships with marginalized communities impacted by environmental inequities. Applications for this committee have closed and we have received an overwhelming response, but please reach out to us at EPICgrants@commerce.wa.gov to express your interest for later opportunities.
Contact
Jennifer Grove, EPIC Managing Director
Email: Jennifer.Grove@Commerce.wa.gov