EdVANTAGE Blog

We are passing on news about this funding on the request of colleagues at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)…

Later this month, NYSERDA will be issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to allocate $30 million in federal stimulus funds for school energy efficiency and conservation projects.

Pursuant to federal requirements, the window for school districts to apply for these funds will be very narrow – the RFP is expected to be released on July 27, and the first round of applications will be due back on August 24.

Districts will be able to submit proposals for this funding based upon previously developed plans for projects which can meet criteria for the program.

To assist districts which do not have suitable projects already under development, NYSERDA will be awarding up to $5 million in funding for school districts to complete Energy Conservation Studies. Completed studies could then be used to support applications for the upcoming $30 million implementation grant program.

Examples of studies which could receive funding include building improvements to support energy efficiency, certain alternative energy source projects, and studies of alternative fuel and hybrid-electric vehicles.

Applicants may apply for funding up to the lesser of $30,000 or 100 percent of the cost of the study, or 25 percent of the annual energy cost of the facilities or vehicle fleets to be studied.

For more information about how to apply for Energy Conservation Study grants, please see here.

Sometime soon information about the $30 million implementation grant program will be available here.

Maximum funding per applicant under the implementation grant program will be $1 million.

On Friday, the State Education Department posted an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document on the timing, uses, and reporting requirements of various funding provided through the federal stimulus package.

The FAQ is available here.