The federal government is now accepting applications for school infrastructure grants.
The U.S. Department of Energy has opened applications for the nation’s highest-need districts to apply for $84.5 million in federal funding for school infrastructure improvements under two new programs established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.
Of the $84.5 million:
- $80 million is for Renew America’s Schools grants to support rural or high-poverty schools with energy upgrades, such as new heating, ventilation and air conditioning, with the goal of supporting healthier learning environments and reduce utility costs;
- $4.5 million is for Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools(Energy CLASS Prize) program, which will provide $100,000 each to 25 high-need districts, with an additional $50,000 based on performance, to help build a workforce of energy managers in schools; and
- Another $750,000 will be given in technical assistance from Energy CLASS Training Network partners.
How to apply
To apply for the Renew America’s Schools grants, districts must send their concept papers by January 26, 2023, and submit applications by April 21, 2023.
- Apply for the Renew America’s Schools Grant
- Register for December 6 webinar on the Renew America’s Schools Grant
For the Energy CLASS Prize, applications are open now through February 28, 2023.
Related resources from the U.S. Department of Energy
- Renew America’s Schools Grant and Energy CLASS Prize Digital Engagement Toolkit – A resource to promote these DOE programs, including sample social media postings, graphics, and topline messaging.
- School Needs and Benefits Assessment Resources – A compiled list of resources to support development of a baseline energy needs assessment.
- Energy Justice Mapping Tool for Schools – A tool to explore and produce reports for individual school facilities based on several metrics.
- Financing Efficient and Healthy Retrofits – A resource for more information on solutions to access capital and finance energy efficiency projects in schools.
- Efficient and Healthy Schools Campaign – A national campaign aimed at engaging K-12 schools to reduce energy costs and improve energy performance and indoor air quality.
- Better Buildings Initiative Resource for K-12 School Districts – An initiative that partners with leaders in many sectors, including school districts, to make the nation’s buildings more energy efficient by accelerating investments and sharing successful best practices.
