The U.S. Department of Energy recently began rolling out information about the new $50 million grant program that will support nonprofits upgrading their energy systems. This program, the Renew America’s Nonprofits program, aims to reduce carbon emissions and lower utility costs for nonprofit organizations and institutions. The OU Advocacy team is proud to have created this program with bipartisan partners in Congress and signed into law by President Biden in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
The Energy Department plans to open applications in the next 4-6 weeks to “prime recipients,” entities that will then make sub-awards of up to $200,000 to individual nonprofits. Energy efficient materials eligible under this program may include materials (including a product, equipment, or system) the installation of which results in a reduction in use by a nonprofit organization of energy or fuel. Examples include lighting upgrades, roof replacement with insulation, HVAC upgrades, and door or window replacements. Fuel-switching upgrades that will reduce both energy costs and projected carbon emissions will also be eligible. Prime Recipients will be encouraged to look for projects that package multiple improvements to deepen energy and cost savings and increase carbon reductions.
We look forward to sharing more information as soon as it is released.