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
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
- EPA FOA: Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants — Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Nov. 21, 2024
- 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.
- IRA Section 45L New Energy Efficient Home Credit — New guidance released Sept. 27, 2023
- EPA: Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG)
- New: CPRG Training, Tools and Technical Assistance
- EPA FOA: Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants — Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Nov. 21, 2024
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: MN Pollution Control Agency Wastewater System Grant ($10 million in available funds)
- Deadline: Sept. 26, 2024, 4 p.m.
GRANT: Electric School Bus Deployment Grant Program
- Deadline: Oct. 23, 2024
GRANT: State Electric Grid Resilience Grants Program
- Stand-alone Grid Resilience Grants program that does not coincide with other state or federal programs like the 40101d and State Competitiveness Fund. Maximum Grant $250,000. Slides available here: https://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/state-grid-resilience-pp-8-16-2024%20Final.pdf
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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