Below is the October 2023 update from the monthly series on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) opportunities related to energy and sustainability. This series is brought to you by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and provides a snippet of upcoming federal grants, training, and other resources.

FEDERAL GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

EJ4Climate: Environmental Justice and Climate Resilience Grant Program has $2 million in funding available for community-based organizations and partnerships for projects that advance community-driven strategies supporting environmental justice and climate resilience. Proposals due November 9, 2023.

Last call for Energy Future Grant applications, which has $27 million in funding for planning grants to support local, state, and Tribal government-led partnerships that will advance clean energy program innovation that benefits disadvantaged communities. The deadline was extended to November 10, 2023.

$240 million in Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants is available for transformational habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects including Great Lakes ecosystems. Closes November 17, 2023.

NOAA will award $50 million in Climate-Ready Workforce for Coastal States and Territories funding to assist communities in coastal and Great Lakes states to form partnerships that train workers and place them into jobs that enhance climate resilience. Grants will range from $500,000 to $10 million each. Letters of intent due November 30, 2023.

The EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Program will provide up to $500 million in rebates this year to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. Applications due January 31, 2023.

The January 31, 2024 deadline is approaching for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) formula grants. Vouchers for equipment rebates or technical assistance are available instead of grants, providing an option that reduces the administrative burden for applicants. Sixty Michigan local governments and tribes are eligible for this funding for a broad range of energy projects.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Implementation Grants - $4.6 billion in grants for projects that will achieve significant GHG reductions. To apply, all eligible projects must be included in one of the Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAP) that the state of Michigan, SEMCOG, Grand Valley Metro Council, and Tribes are each developing - so engaging with your regional or Tribal government, or with the state?s planning is an important next step. State engagement events are coming in November and December.? Applications are due April 1, 2024.

OPENING SOON

The EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program (Community Change Grants) provides grants to partnerships with community-based organizations for pollution reduction, climate and health mitigation, resiliency projects in disadvantaged communities. Most grants will be for $10-20 million for multi-faceted projects. See the FAQ for more information. EPA expects this grant to open fall 2023 and applications will remain open for 12 months.

For a longer list of open grants and resources, visit our Technical Assistance website.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

The Community LEAP (Local Energy Action Program) matches low-income, energy burdened communities with technical assistance experts to assist them in bringing their clean energy planning and economic development vision to life. Apply by December 14, 2023.

The Michigan Infrastructure Office also has a Technical Assistance Center that funds communities to directly contract with consultants through their Metropolitan Planning or Economic Development Organizations for grant writing, administration, and other services.

Local governments, tribal governments, or community organizations that need help applying for climate or energy-related funding may be able to acquire free grant writing support and/or technical assistance from 5 Lakes Energy. Contact Andy Draheim,?[email protected], a senior consult at 5 Lakes Energy, to learn more.

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