Author: EERE Staff: Published: 01/15/2025 EERE Funding Opportunities
Funding Notice: Second Round of Community Energy Innovation Prize and HBCU Prize Now Open
Funding Notice: Second Round of Community Energy Innovation Prize Will Support Grassroots Energy Innovation in Underrepresented Communities
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the second round of the Community Energy Innovation Prize, a multi-million-dollar competition supporting grassroots innovation, entrepreneurship, capacity building, and economic development in communities historically underrepresented in clean energy development.
Through the three phases of the prize, teams have the chance to win part of the $8.42 million prize pool to fund their ongoing activities that address local challenges in clean energy, energy efficiency, manufacturing, materials, and transportation. Successful competitors will demonstrate a strong track record of building trust and strengthening relationships and partnerships within their communities.
The Community Energy Innovation Prize is made up of three tracks, each with distinct focus areas, over three phases:
- Clean Energy Ecosystem Track
- Manufacturing Ecosystem Track
- Vehicles Ecosystem Track
Any eligible team may compete in the first phase, CONCEPT, where applicants form their coalitions and develop project ideas.
The deadline to apply for the CONCEPT phase in all three tracks is June 20, 2025.
There will be an informational webinar for prospective applicants in the near future.
Funding Notice: HBCU Energy Education Prize Returns With Second Round of Its Inspire Track
DOE’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Education Prize is returning with a second round of the Inspire Track, building on its mission to expand clean energy education opportunities for HBCU students and provide them with the skills and opportunities they need to excel in clean energy careers.
The second round of the Inspire Track features a prize pool of $600,000 in cash prizes awarded across two phases:
- Phase 1: Up to 12 winning teams will receive $40,000 each to develop educational programs hosted on their campuses during a summer or academic break. Teams must outline their plans, including proposed timing, partners, program goals, and the ages and number of students served.
- Phase 2: Phase 1 winners will implement their programs and submit reports showcasing their impact, including metrics, success stories, and lessons learned. Teams with successful Phase 2 submissions will receive an additional $10,000.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET.
Register for the informational webinar on Jan. 28, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET