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 average annual residential expenditure for home energy exceeding 275 percent of the national average. Eligible projects also include on-grid and off-grid renewable energy projects and implementation of energy efficiency, and energy conservation projects for eligible communities. Projects cannot be for the primary benefit of a single household or business. Grant funds may not be used for the preparation of the grant application, payment of utility bills, fuel purchases, routine maintenance or other routine operating costs, or for the purchase of any equipment, structures, or real estate not directly associated with provision of community energy services.
Eligible Applicants:
- City or township governments
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) - County governments
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- State governments
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Small businesses
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Individuals
- Additional Information on Eligibility: Individuals may apply on behalf of unincorporated community organizations. Awards will not be made directly to individuals. Eligible applicants also include sole proprietorships, legally-organized for-profit or nonprofit organizations such as, but not limited to, a corporation, association, partnership (including a limited liability partnership), cooperative, or trust. Applicant must be located in the United States, a U.S. Territory or other area authorized by law to participate in programs of the Rural Utilities Service or under the Rural Electrification Act.
There is no match or cost sharing required. Deadline is Dec. 14. Contact us for more information. For more information on GFA visit us at gfa.tc.