DOE opens $2 million Building Upgrades Inspiring Local Transformation (BUILT Nonprofits) program
Applications are due by November 12, 2024 by 11:59 PM ET.
Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (the program is now accepting applications)
Opportunity: U.S. Department of Energy BUILT Nonprofits Grant
Overview and Eligible Uses:
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Renew America's Nonprofits Program—enabled by the Biden Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)—is a $50 million initiative designed to:
Cut energy use and costs in nonprofit buildings, creating sustainable savings that enhance nonprofits' ability to serve their communities.
Reduce nonprofit emissions, lowering community exposure to pollutants and advancing America’s goal of a net-zero energy economy by 2050.
In response to high demand for the 2023 Renew America's Nonprofits Grant, the program is introducing a new funding opportunity for nonprofits:
The Building Upgrades Inspiring Local Transformation (BUILT Nonprofits) initiative will offer $2 million for energy efficiency improvements in community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. These funds will support projects aimed at cutting energy use, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving both immediate and long-term energy cost savings, allowing nonprofits to redirect resources toward their core missions.
Eligible energy improvements are restricted to:
Insulation
Energy-efficient lighting
HVAC upgrades to existing systems, including the installation of a 10 square foot pad for an HVAC system adjacent to a building foundation
Weather sealing and duct sealing
Energy- and water-efficient residential and commercial appliances and equipment, including but not limited to grid-interactive building technologies, energy or water monitoring and control systems, thermostats, heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners, and related software
Windows and doors retrofit or replacement
Electric appliances, including the replacement of fossil fuel-powered appliances with electric alternatives, such as heat pumps for water heating, air heating/cooling, electric dryers, and stoves
Energy-efficient commercial kitchen equipment, such as high-efficiency refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ice makers, fryers, ovens, and stoves
Roof repair or replacement, including replacing decking material and roof, or changing roof material (e.g., shingles to metal)
Electrical system upgrades necessary to support energy efficiency or clean energy improvements, limited to electric panel upgrades, updated wiring and conduit, grounding, and arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers.
Amount: $2,000,000 with a 20% cost-share. Award amount is up to $100,000.
Award Type: Grant
Eligible Applicants:
Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Propose upgrades only to buildings which they own and operate
Submit all required documents
Be a domestic entity
Propose only eligible projects listed below
Be able to provide the required 20% cost share (monetary and/or in-kind)
Key Dates: Submission deadline is November 12, 2024 by 11:59 PM ET.
Key Links:
BUILT Nonprofits Grant Application Overview
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.
This tracker will continue to send updates when new funding opportunities are announced.