Grants for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities Program

Grants for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (administered through DOT Competitive Grants Dashboard). Funds improvements, renovation, and equipment which reduce energy costs and improve health outcomes at public school facilities.

## What is the current status of this program? Applications for the 2025 funding cycle were originally due April 3, 2025, but all mention of them has been dropped from the Department of Energy website. This funding may have been cut, but we have yet to find any coverage of this program losing funding, and have reached out to the Department of Energy for clarification.

## What does this funding get me? This Department of Energy (DOE) program helps public school districts make energy improvements. During Phase 1, competitors will build teams and curate lists of at least 10 schools and school facilities that demonstrate compelling need and eligibility for investment.

Up to 14 Phase 1 winners will earn a cash prize of $300,000 for successfully building teams and submitting compelling applications identifying need. From those, DOE will select winners who may move on to Phases 2 and 3, in which more funds will be available for energy audits and implementation of energy improvements.

Eligible projects include: * energy efficiency improvements such as repairs, renovations, or installations to the facility envelope, air conditioning system, ventilation system, heating system, domestic hot water heating system, compressed air system, distribution system, lighting system, power system, and/or controls of a building * renewable energy improvements such as rooftop solar, micro wind turbines, alternative-fueled vehicle infrastructure, and purchase or lease of alternative-fueled vehicles.

Teams must consist of at least one local educational agency and one or more schools, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, or community partners. ## How can I access the money? A 2025 round of funding was announced in December 2024.

Applications were due April 3, 2025. Details are on this archived webpage. All mention of the funding has been dropped from the live Department of Energy website.

It may have been cut, but we have yet to find any coverage of this program losing funding, and have reached out to the Department of Energy for clarification. Applications for the 2025 funding cycle were due April 3, 2025. ## What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?

* Clean School Bus Program * Check theDatabase of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency(DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) atjplindem@ncsu. edu.

* Check out our (non-exhaustive) list of non-federal funding from other sources that may fit your energy and cost-saving goals. ## What are examples of projects that have been selected for awards? See here for a full list of Round 2 recipients.

Read below for details on projects in NC/SC: * Marion County Schools, South Carolina ($300,000) * MSCD aims to decrease energy burden in disadvantaged communities (DACs), increase parity in clean energy technology access and adoption, and increase energy resilience in DACs. MCSD will work closely with their students throughout the energy efficiency upgrade projects.

Students interested in STEM-focused coursework will have the opportunity to work with the team and be involved in various phases of the project. Students from the local technical college will have the opportunity to receive internships. * Rockingham County Schools, North Carolina ($300,000) * The RCS project will include strategies to engage businesses and organizations representing traditionally underserved groups.

This project will focus on reducing pollution and fuel usage in schools with high energy costs while bolstering the local clean energy job pipeline by providing educational efforts focused on clean energy, energy efficiency skills, and career opportunities. * Hoke County Schools, North Carolina ($300,000) * Hoke County School District (HCSD) was recognized as the second most diverse local educational agency in North Carolina.

The portfolio has 12 schools, all located within disadvantaged communities. The district strives for educational excellence and has struggled to allocate funding to large-scale facility upgrades. HCSD aims to bolster the local clean energy job pipeline by providing educational opportunities at the 12 schools.

HCSD partner Johnson Controls, Inc. can provide students with exposure to careers in clean energy and technical expertise for STEM classes. In addition, HCSD aims to increase the opportunities for its facility staff to participate in trainings related to operations and maintenance. ## Where can I get more information?

* For questions about the application, emailschools@doe. gov * 2025 Renew America’s Schools website (archived) * The NC Clean Energy Technology Center provides technical assistance services related to clean transportation technologies. Click here for more information.

* In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on ourGet Help page. * For specific questions on this program or for more assistance (including technical assistance questions), contact Sally Robertson atinfo@energyfundsforall.

org.