The Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) alerting colleges and universities, among other nonprofits, to the availability of $50 million in grants to make energy-efficient improvements, reduce carbon emissions, and lower utilities costs at buildings owned and operated by 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

The grants are available through the Renew America’s Nonprofits program, which is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.

The funding opportunity is expected to be issued in May, but SCEP is currently compiling a “Teaming Partner List” of interested organizations to help coordinate partnerships.  Institutions can apply as a prime recipient to be the program lead, a subrecipient, or a partner recipient. 

Providing the NOI allows institutions time to identify buildings in need of energy efficient upgrades before the grant application opens, and the opportunity to connect with other organizations for partnerships through the Teaming Partner List.