#GotGrants | June Edition

For June’s edition of #GotGrants, we want to focus on our rural communities here in California. Nearly 70% of the regions that we serve are categorized as rural-hard to reach so prioritizing these communities is important to us. Check out our the three grants below that are open to assist rural local governments and small businesses on their path towards a clean energy future.

  1. Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities

  • Who: State and local governmental entities, federally-recognized tribes and tribal entities, non-profits, including cooperatives and limited dividend or mutual associations, for-profit businesses

  • What: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces the availability of up to $10 million in competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy costs. The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, or improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities where the average annual residential expenditure for hoe energy exceeds 275% of the national average.

  • When: Applications close on July 6th, 2021

  • How Much: Total Program Funding- $10,000,000
    Award Ceiling: $3,000,00 Award Floor: $100,000

  • Learn More: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/high-energy-cost-grants

2.  Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program

  • Who:  Eligible applicants are local government entities, independent authorities, and educational institutions

  • What: The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is requesting proposals for its Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program which provides grant funding for sustainable energy strategies that mitigate climate change, reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fuels, develop and utilize domestic energy sources, and improve the performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency in the territories.

  • When: Applications close on June 30th, 2021

  • How Much: Total Program Funding: $8,500,000

  • Learn More: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html

  3. Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements

  • Who: Eligible applicants are agricultural producers and rural small businesses

  • What: The Rural Energy for America Program will provide funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The Rural Energy for America Program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nations critical energy needs.

  • When: Applications close on September 30th, 2021 

  • How Much: Total Program Funding- $35,400,000

  • Learn More: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=EPA

SJVCEOGotGrants, grant funding, rural communities