The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a first-of-its-kind $50M investment to fund energy-efficiency improvements in the nonprofit sector. The Renew America’s Nonprofits program—referred to in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the Energy Efficiency Materials Pilot Program—will reduce carbon emissions, improve health and safety, and lower utilities costs at buildings owned and operated by 501(c)(3) nonprofits, allowing critical funds to be redirected to mission-focused work.
To enhance the technical and administrative capacity of nonprofits seeking access to this funding, DOE is using an aggregation model. Under this model, DOE will award 5-15 larger grants to nonprofits interested in serving as Prime recipients. Prime recipients will assemble portfolios of energy-efficiency projects in nonprofit facilities and provide technical and project management assistance. Ultimately, hundreds of nonprofit facilities should be represented across these project bundles.
Funding is first-come.
