Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the federal government is investing approximately $1.2 trillion in our nation’s electric grid, broadband access, transportation and clean water over the next five years. On top of the IIJA, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) committed even more federal funds toward clean energy innovation and implementation.
As a result, many MRES member utilities have had questions about federal grants that are available through the IIJA and IRA, as well as how to apply for those grants. To address these questions, MRES has compiled an extensive list of resources members can use to learn more about the funds available, grant-writing best practices, application guidance and announcements, grant compliance and post-award management, and links to state and federal websites for more specific information.
If you have questions or require more information, contact Member Programs Coordinator Amy Collins at amy.collins@mrenergy.com or 605-838-6490.
Tips to Get You Started
Resources and Tips for Grant Writing
Below are two presentations from Baker Tilly's "Utility University" webinar series regarding the IIJA and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA):
- Maximizing federal funding opportunities for utilities
- Federal grant compliance and post-award management
Additional Grant-Writing Resources
First-time applicants can understandably feel daunted by the task of applying for a federal funding opportunities. Here are some additional resources to help you get started with grant writing:
A Guide for Local Governments
The Urban Sustainability Directors Network, in partnership with Climate Mayors and C40 Cities has created this resource guide that provides insights, lessons learned, best practices, along with challenges and pitfalls faced by local governments seeking federal funding.
Educational Webinar Recordings
Many MRES members have had questions about federal grants that will be available through the IIJA and how to apply for those grants. To address these questions, MRES partnered with The Ferguson Group in December 2022 to host three webinars to help members understand the federal grant process and the types of projects that will qualify. The Ferguson Group is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and specializes in assisting public entities to build strong and vibrant communities.
To access the webinar recordings and slide decks, please click the links below:
Dec. 14, 2022: Session 3 — IIJA Deep Dive
This session includes an overview of IIJA, highlights relevant programs and discusses common grant elements required by IIJA.
Dec. 7, 2022: Session 2 – Grant Writing
This session includes an overview of common grant narrative elements, as well as tips and tricks for writing and submitting a competitive grant application.
Nov. 30, 2022: Session 1 – Grants 101 Training
This session includes an overview of the federal grants landscape, required registrations, searching for federal grants and strategically positioning projects ahead of a solicitation.
Federal Grant Information
Current Federal Opportunities
Below is some information on a federal grant opportunity through the IIJA:
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas." See below for details:
- Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0003428
- Concept Paper Deadline: Feb. 27, 2025
- Application Deadline: Aug. 28, 2025
- Anticipated Selection Announcement: Spring 2026
- Topic Area 3: Smaller-scale community centered
- Expected award size per project: $2M–$10M
- Total expected award amount for topic area: $50M
- Cost-share from applicant: 20% state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education
On Oct. 3, 2024, OCED announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to fund up to $400 million for clean energy projects in rural and remote areas across the nation. Read the NOFO here.
Read the latest updates on Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas.
Federal IIJA Resources
Federal IRA Resources
Pocket Guides for USDA Grant Opportunities
The USDA Rural Development Innovation Center offers two pocket guides that highlight numerous programs that rural communities may be able to take advantage of through the IRA. The guides serve as a tool that can help eligible groups — utilities, nonprofits, agricultural producers, tribal nations and more — find opportunities for federal funding to support clean energy initiatives.
Grant applicants can search funding programs by potential use or by applicant type:
Recent Federal Announcements on IIJA & IRA Implementation
As part of APPA’s ongoing efforts to make members aware of recent federal activity related to implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and other federal funding programs, below is a summary of recent notable activity. APPA members can access this information, along with other federal funding resources, including a Grant Support Template Letter, grant preparation checklist, APPA’s Federal Funding Assistance Request Form for vendor support, and more at www.publicpower.org/InfrastructureFunding.
Information on energy tax credits created by the IRA can be found at APPA’s Tax Credit Guidance Website.
Notable Agency Implementation Activity
- Click here to learn more about DOE funding opportunities and how to apply on energy.gov.
- WaterSMART Program Funding Opportunities
- DOI: WaterSmart Water Recycling, Desalination, and Efficiency Grants
- DOE: Schools Teaming Partner List: DOE is compiling a Team Partner List to facilitate connections between school districts and industry partners to support schools in meeting their energy and climate needs – including through DOE’s Renew America’s Schools Program, the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program, the ESPC Campaign, and the Better Buildings/Better Climate Challenge.
- EPA: Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG)
- New: CPRG Training, Tools and Technical Assistance
State-Specific Grant Information
Iowa
Utilities in Iowa can find grant information on IowaGrants.gov.
Minnesota
Information on funding for energy-related projects is now being shared online by the Division of Energy Resources at the Minnesota Department of Commerce (MNDOC). The New Energy Programs page joins with the existing federal funding opportunities page to provide additional insight for Minnesotans on new state funding for energy opportunities and programs. Details on the new rebates, grants and other programs will be added to the site as the programs are developed by MNDOC to make those funds accessible to all Minnesotans.
You are encouraged to bookmark this new page for future reference: New Energy Programs / Minnesota Department of Commerce - Energy (mn.gov). Updates are currently included for the following programs:
Minnesota Grant Opportunities
Check out the program awards and project tracking for Minnesota under the IIJA, IRA and CHIPS & Science Act.
GRANT: Implementation Grants for Community Resilience
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is soliciting project proposals to distribute $5 million to communities for non-stormwater and non-wastewater implementation projects to increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change. Applications are due no later than Dec. 19, at 4 p.m. CST.
Eligible project types include:
- Extreme heat mitigation or management (e.g., shading structures along sidewalks, trails, and in parks and green spaces)
- Hardening of public assets against extreme weather and ongoing stressors resulting from Minnesota’s changing climate (e.g., burying utility and electrical lines to protect against ice and extreme storms)
- Renovations and upgrades to resilience hubs and community safe spaces (e.g., installing a clean energy source with storage to provide backup power for continuity of operations and provision of community services during extreme events)
- Transportation upgrades to increase resilience and alternatives to car travel (e.g., installing or upgrading bike paths useful for commuting)
- Wildfire resilience projects (e.g., using fire-resistant surfaces on public buildings in high-risk zones)
- Public water supply projects that are too small or not a type to be prioritized for other funding opportunities (e.g., installing backup power from a clean energy source for a public water supply system or asset)
- Upgrades to publicly owned housing or community storm shelters for climate resiliency (e.g., installing green backup power to provide resiliency to critical systems, emergency lighting, and potable water)
North Dakota
The North Dakota Department of Commerce offers programs and services to support business, workforce and community development in partnership with local leaders.
South Dakota
The South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) offers an array of financing options to meet the needs of both new and existing companies. Whether you are looking for working capital, workforce training money or a low-interest loan, GOED can help.
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