Funding Opportunities
PSC Energy Innovation Grant
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is offering $7 million through the Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP). The funding supports the reduction of energy consumption and its cost to businesses and taxpayers, increased use of renewable energy and transportation technologies, comprehensive energy planning, and bolstered preparedness and resiliency in energy systems. EIGP supports Governor Evers’ goal of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050.
Awards of $7 million will be made to applicants including local and tribal governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations, UW System campuses and facilities, WI Tech College System, and k-12 schools, municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities, manufacturers, public hospitals and municipal electric or gas utilities. Investor-owned utilities and rural electric coops are not eligible.
Grants are offered in 4 categories. Applicants can apply for one only as the primary applicant.
- Renewable Energy and Energy Storage – $2.5 million [up to $500,000 per award for non-PV (biogas, biomass, ground source heat pumps, solar thermal, wind) ; 22% up to $250,000 for solar PV; $500,000 solar + storage; $750,000 other renewables + storage]
- Energy Efficiency and Demand Response – $3 million [$1 million for building energy efficiency; process energy for manufacturers) (work with Focus on Energy on this and use as match)
- Electric & Renewable Natural Gas Vehicles and Infrastructure – $1million ($100,000)
- Comprehensive Energy Planning – $500,000 ($100,000)
Grant application due: January 22, 2021 by noon.
Grant award notification: Spring, 2021
Project period: Summer 2021- June 2022
Grant funding awarded: upon project completion and final report submission
See the PSC webpage on the Energy Innovation Grant with Application Instructions and forms, Frequently Asked Questions, a recording of the Office of Energy Innovation Grant Program Webinar explaining the grant, including the merit review criteria (be sure to address each), and answers to questions, and other information.
DOE NETL Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT)
The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to research and develop next-generation building technologies that have the potential for significant energy savings and improved demand flexibility, affordability, and occupant comfort. An additional goal is to advance building construction, remodeling, and retrofit practices, and associated workforces.
Applications Due: January 20, 2021
For more information and to apply
People For Bikes Community Grant Program
The People For Bikes Community Grant Program supports bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted advocacy initiatives that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to ride. Grants up to $10,000
Deadline: January 22, 2021 (round 1 for Letter of Interest)
Learn more about this funding opportunity
USDA BCP Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants
Eligible Entities: institutions of higher education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, international organizations, and state governments, city or township governments, county governments, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and non-federally recognized)
This program assists rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits and providing Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REDA).
Applications Due: February 1, 2021
For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
EPA: Webinar for Indigenous Peoples on EPA Competitive Financial Assistance Programs
This webinar will cover EPA’s competitive grants process and general management and administrative issues. It will cover grants topics, including how to find and apply for grant opportunities, EPA’s Grants.gov requirements, information about the competitive process and preparing a proper budget detail.
This webinar is being offered to indigenous peoples (state-recognized tribes; indigenous and tribal community-based organizations; individual members of federally recognized tribes, including those living on a different reservation or living outside Indian country; individual members of state-recognized tribes; Native Hawaiians; Native Pacific Islanders; and individual Native Americans); other interested parties are welcome to participate. Participants are encouraged to raise questions for presenters to address in real time.
Application due: February 3, 2021
Register
Focus RECIP Renewable Energy Incentive 2021
The Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program (RECIP) provides incentives for cost-effective renewable energy systems installed at eligible Wisconsin non-residential ratepayers of a utility that participates in Focus on Energy. This includes municipalities, schools, industrial customers, farms, etc. RECIP, a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process, is offering a total of $750,000 for projects completed prior to December 1, 2022. Eligible Renewable Technologies include: biogas, biomass, solar thermal, and wind. Submit applications through the online application form. This printable/fillable PDF may be helpful in filling out the application.
| Submissions deadline (proposals due) | February 19, 2021, by 5:00p.m. CDT |
| Applicants notified of award status via email | March 26, 2021 |
| Last day for awardees to accept award | April 23, 2021 |
Note: Solar PV is not an eligible technology for RECIP. Please refer to the Solar PV offerings webpage for details on incentives available for solar PV projects.
2021 Focus on Energy Renewables Incentives
Residential Solar PV Incentives $1.5 million in 2021
| Residential Customer Solar PV Incentive |
| $500 per system |
- Residential customers can receive up to $500 to offset interconnection and permitting costs
- Rural incentive bonus = additional $500 per system in specified zip codes ($450,000 budgeted)
Business Solar PV Incentives
| System size in kW (DC) | Incentive | Max Incentive |
| 0 to 5 kW | $200 per kW | $1,000 |
| 5 to 10 kW | $1,000 + $150 per kW above 10 kW | $1,750 |
| 10 to 100 kW | $1,750 + $125 per kW above 100 kW | $13,000 |
| 100 to 300 kW | $13,000 + $100 per kW above 100 kW | $33,000 |
| 300 to 500 kW | $33,000 + $85 per kW above 300 kW | $50,000 |
NOTE: 2021 Solar Electric PV Reservation Application form is recommended to secure funding (in 2020, funds were used up quickly). The form can be used for PV systems for single family (1-3 units), Commercial or multi-family (4+ units), and agricultural producers. Be aware that the date of interconnection entered will be the final date funds are reserved for the project.
Small Businesses Solar Funding
For small U.S-based companies looking to make a big difference in solar, apply for funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The program is administered by the Energy Department’s Office of Science administered by the Small Business Administration. Funding can range from $50,000 to $200,000 for six months or one year.
In addition to funding, technology transfer opportunities are offered for specific innovations developed by National Laboratories. Finally, applicants are encouraged to apply to the Commercialization Assistance Program, which provides additional funding specifically for commercialization activities. The American-Made Network is a resource for finding commercialization assistance providers and vendors with specific expertise in the solar space.
Submit mandatory letter of intent: January 4, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. CT
Full application due: February 22, 2021, at 10:59 p.m. CT
Learn more about this opportunity and its topic areas or apply here
DOE Funding for Solar Hardware and Systems Integration
On December 16, DOE announced it will award up to $45 million for research projects that will advance solar hardware and systems integration, including the creation of a grid-forming technologies research consortium dedicated to advancing technologies that support the resiliency of the modernized electric grid. SETO’s 2021 Systems Integration and Hardware Incubator funding program will issue 10 to 20 awards, ranging from $500,000 to $25 million.
The funding program seeks research, development, and demonstration projects that enable solar to connect reliably and securely to the nation’s electric grid, while developing next-generation solar technologies and boosting U.S. solar manufacturing.
Register for the informational webinar on January 6, 2021, at 12 p.m. CT
Submit a mandatory letter of intent by January 11, 2021, at 4 p.m. CT
Full application due: March 29, 2021 4 p.m. CT
Learn more about this opportunity and its topic areas or apply here
FEMA: Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities Grants
FEMA will provide a record-breaking $500 million of pre-disaster mitigation funding through the new BRIC program. The Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC) competitive grant program will provide states, local communities, tribes and territories funding for eligible mitigation activities to reduce the risks they face and the impact of future disasters. For FY20, a total of $660 million in funding is available for Flood Mitigation Assistance FMA and BRIC. It allows for ecosystems services benefits to be included in the benefit-cost analysis (see Economy section).
Webinars and Program Resources
To prepare for successful application submissions and awards for fiscal year 2020 funding, watch or read transcripts of a series of webinars by FEMA that introduces BRIC concepts and provides an overview of the Notices of Funding Opportunities.
Access a library of program support materials for the BRIC and FMA programs.
Application period: Now through January 29, 2021
Grant applications due: January 29, 2021, 2:00 pm CST
Solar on Schools
Through a vision and generous support from the Couillard Solar Foundation, MREA launched Solar on Schools to provide resources and grants to Wisconsin K-12 schools and select colleges pursuing solar PV systems.
|
Grant Writing Basics Blog Series
Learn tips and advice for writing federal grant applications through the Grant Writing Basics Blog Series. The goal of the series is to provide the essential basics to begin writing on a solid foundation.
Topics covered include:
· How to Start Working on Future Funding Opportunities
· Demystifying Funding Opportunity Announcements
· Tips to Avoid Last Minute Problems
· Making Sure You Are Eligible before Writing
For more information
BCPL Funds School Clean Energy Projects
The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) makes loan funds available to Wisconsin School Districts for school energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The Board recognizes the economic materiality of climate change and potential impacts of climate change on investments. BCPL manages $1.2 billion in State Trust Funds that benefit K-12 public schools and the University of Wisconsin.
Applications
For more information about the funding opportunity. Direct questions to BCPL Loan Officer.
COVID-19 Financial Assistance
UW-Madison Small Business Development Center
The UW-Madison Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no- cost consulting and assistance in this time of economic challenges due to COVID-19. There are SBDC offices across the state.