A practical guide to grants for clean energy and energy efficiency projects, federal DOE and EPA programs, state energy offices, foundations, and tax incentives.
Clean energy funding has expanded dramatically. Federal investment plus state programs plus foundation support plus tax-incentive overlays create one of the deepest funding pools in the country for energy work.
TL;DR
- Who funds clean energy? DOE, EPA, USDA, state energy offices, utilities, foundations, IRA/IIJA-funded programs.
- Who can apply? State and local governments, tribal entities, nonprofits, utilities, universities, businesses (for some programs).
- What gets funded? Solar, wind, geothermal, storage, EV charging, weatherization, hydrogen, grid resilience, demonstration projects.
- Important: Many federal clean-energy programs require Community Benefits Plans and equity strategies, see equity language.
Federal Funding
DOE. Weatherization Assistance Program, State Energy Program, EECBG, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, EERE technology programs, Office of Indian Energy, GRIP and grid resilience programs, industrial decarbonization.
EPA. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), Clean School Bus.
USDA. REAP (Rural Energy for America Program), Empowering Rural America (New ERA).
Treasury IRA tax credits. Many credits are now refundable for tax-exempt entities (direct pay); coordinate with finance and counsel.
State Energy Offices
State energy offices receive federal funding and run substantial state programs. They’re often the primary doorway for community and tribal projects.
Foundation Funders
See grants for climate organizations for the major climate foundations.
What Gets Funded
- Renewable energy deployment.
- Energy efficiency (residential, commercial, industrial).
- EV charging and electric vehicles.
- Building electrification.
- Grid resilience.
- Hydrogen and emerging technologies.
- Weatherization for low-income households.
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Community Benefits Plans. Required and scored for many DOE programs.
- Address equity (Justice40 priorities).
- Plan for cost share.
- Coordinate with state energy office.
- Tribal and rural-specific framing where applicable.
How Grantboost Helps
Grantboost surfaces clean energy funding across DOE, EPA, USDA, state offices, and foundations, with drafts in your organization’s voice (see training AI on your past proposals).
Read next:
- DOE Grants: A Guide to Department of Energy Funding
- EPA Grants: A Guide to Environmental Protection Agency Funding
- Grants for Climate Organizations
Further Reading
- Department of Energy
- DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- EPA grants
- Grants.gov (federal funding portal)
Disclaimer: Grant programs, eligibility rules, deadlines, and policies vary by region and change frequently. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current rules in your area. Always consult a local grant writer or qualified expert in your region for advice specific to your organization, project, and jurisdiction.