Funding to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models.
What does this funding get me?
This is a federal grant and rebate program intended for schools to replace their old school buses with new electric buses.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you are a:
- Public school district, with one or more local/state government entities providing school bus service to one or more public school systems or the purchase, lease, license, or contract for service of school buses
- Public charter school district responsible for the above
- Nonprofit school transportation association or eligible contractor
How can I access the money?
For Grants: The full list of application requirements can be found HERE.
For Rebates: More information HERE.
What is the timeline?
For Grants: The application cycle for the 2023 funding year has closed. If you applied for this year, the awards will be announced at the end of 2023 and distributed in early 2024. Check back here for the timeline for the 2024 funding cycle.
If you plan to apply for funding in 2024, we recommend that you register for a grants.gov account as soon as possible. Please see “Information on the Application Process” below for more information and resources.
For Rebates: The 2023 application closed on 2/14/24. The EPA will review applications to notify selectees in February and April 2024. Selectees can start purchasing eligible vehicles and equipment once notified of their selection, and must submit payment request forms with purchase orders between April 2024 and October 2024. The project period deadline is April 2026. 2024 applications do not yet have a due date. Check back in later!
Where can I get more information?
- Information on the Application Process (2023 Year)
- Interactive Map of Previous Grant Awardees
- Webinars on the Clean School Bus Program
- Never applied for a federal grant before? Check out the EPA’s grant management training.
- The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD) Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health (CEEJH), and Environmental Finance Center (EFC), alongside multiple community-based partners will lead the Region 3 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center for the Mid-Atlantic region. The NWF is also extending its Region 3 community presence through community hubs such as the Overbrook Education Center in Pennsylvania. To inquire about Technical Assistance regarding the EJ Communities Grantmaking Program, contact the NWF at (202) 792-5350 or 1-800-757-1405, or email region3tctac@gmail.com. For more information, visit NWF’s website here.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Matt Salton at cleanenergy@conservationpa.org.