Funding to upgrade school and bus infrastructure.
What does this funding get me?
This program funds energy improvements at schools:
- Energy infrastructure improvements—like new HVAC and ventilation systems, building envelope and lighting projects, and renewable energy technologies
- Alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fueled vehicle infrastructure
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you are a:
- Partnership/Coalition: Consortia of one local education agency and one or more schools, nonprofits, for-profits, and community partners.
- Otherwise, you must be a state or local government.
- Development and implementation of energy efficiency strategies using these funds can only be done by local governments.
How can I access the money?
The full list of application requirements will be forthcoming sometime this year. Check back for updates!
What is the timeline?
The Department of Energy announced selections for Round 1 of the Renew America’s Schools grant on June 29, 2023. The first round of applications was open for 6 months and the winners were announced 2 months later.
The Department of Energy anticipates opening a second round of applications in Spring 2024.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
Where can I get more information?
- For questions about the application, email schools@doe.gov
- More information on Renew America’s Schools: website, PowerPoint
- 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.