The intent of this Web page is to direct for-profit corporations, non-profit entities, institutes of higher education, and state and local government agencies seeking federal financial assistance to the best sources of information on incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Summary information on Federal Funding Announcements (FOAs) will be posted here as it is made available from the agencies issuing the grants.
Due to the high volume of phone calls and e-mail communication that GEFA has been receiving, we ask that you please review the following information before contacting GEFA regarding ARRA funding for energy programs. If you still require additional information after reviewing this information, please submit your question to energy@gefa.ga.gov. This is the most efficient way to submit your question and will result in the quickest response.
General Information on Finding Federal Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) and Applying for Grants:
- Please note that all federal grants will awarded based on a competitive application process. Applications are made in response to specific FOAs rather than by “signing up to get in line” for stimulus dollars.
- The central clearing house for federal funding opportunities is http://grants.gov. The site contains searchable databases for Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) for all federal grant making agencies.
- Grants.gov allows you to sign up for automated notices by RSS feed or e-mail alert at http://grants.gov/applicants/email_subscription.jsp. A wealth of information for applicants including on-line tutorials, FAQs, archived webcasts and more can be found in the Applicant Resources section of the Web site: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/app_help_reso.jsp
- Many agencies will make duplicate postings on their Web sites as well. Once an applicant has identified a FOA of interest, they can click on “Full Announcement” to be redirected to the full announcement and to all of the necessary forms and instructions. This re-direction is frequently to www.FedConnect.net but it may also be to agency specific electronic application sites. All federal grant applications are electronic.
- To retrieve full announcements and to start the application process in FedConnect, click on “Public Announcements” and then select from the Search Criteria pull down menu on the left. To quickly view all current FOAs from the Department of Energy (DOE), it is recommended that you type “DOE.” Other search options from the pull down menu include “Title” and “Reference Number”. The following is an example of a reference number: DE-FOA-0000096.
- For contact information within the issuing agency, each FOA either identifies a designated point of contact within the agency or provides a way to answer questions. Separate contact information is posted for technical assistance in the application.
- Once you have registered to apply for a specific FOA, you will have access to an interactive FAQ for that specific grant. Answers are posted for all applicants to see.
- Some applicants have been asking for support letters from elected officials or state agency heads. Current DOE FOAs clearly state that “Letters of support…will not be considered and should not be included as part of the application.” Conversely, letters stating specific financial commitments, whether cash or cash valued in-kind, are mandatory.
Recent Federal Funding Announcements:
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the first two solicitations under the
section 1705 loan guarantee program for demonstration projects using commercially proven technologies. These will provide up to $30 Billion in directly funded loan guarantees for innovative energy efficiency, alternative energy, advanced transmission and distribution, and transmission infrastructure in a set of six 45-day application windows. For information on the loan guarantee program visit
http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/ . The full solicitation is available at
http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/2009-CPLX-TRANS-sol.pdf.
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USDA is now accepting applications for up to $1.7 billion to fund projects through the
Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program. This funding, which was provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is made available to help spur business activity and economic growth in rural communities by supporting the development of private businesses. USDA will accept applications for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program until Sept. 15, 2010, or until all funds are expended. For more information, visit
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b&I_gar.htm.
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USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the beginning of the application process for the
Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). This program, which will provide matching payments for the collection, harvest, and storage (CHST) of eligible material delivered to biomass conversion facilities, was established by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. At a rate of $1 for $1 per dry-ton equivalent, the matching CHST payments are capped at $45 per dry-ton equivalent. For more information on BCAP, biomass conversion facilities and material owners or producers should contact their FSA state office or visit
www.fsa.usda.gov.
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The DOE and the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced they are now accepting applications for a program that will
make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to payments in lieu of tax credits for specified energy property. The two Departments estimate distributing at least $3 billion in financial support to approximately 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities. The funding for this effort is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Recovery Act authorized Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project’s cost; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo future tax credits in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. The DOE will assist Treasury in implementing this program by reviewing the technical merits of the applications. To view the press release visit
http://www.energy.gov/news2009/print2009/7623.htm In previous years, the tax credit has been widely used. Companies interested in applying for the program can visit
https://treas1603.nrel.gov/ for more information.
Federal Tax Incentives: Several federal tax incentives designed to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy were included in ARRA. These include production tax credits (PTCs) and investment tax credits (ITCs).
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The best national database for summary information for both state and federal tax incentives for renewable energy is the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
http://www.dsireusa.org/
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the ultimate authority regarding federal taxes.
http://www.irs.gov/
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The definitive source for information on tax incentives for alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles is the USDOE Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Data Center
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ Click on “Incentives and Laws”.
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Online Resources:
Click here to return to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) main page.