Great Lakes TCTAC partner CERTs has put out a request for proposal and application for their 2023 Seed Grants (only MN Organizations are eligible)!
Check out their website for full details
2023 CERTS SEED GRANT OVERVIEW
Project Objectives
- Support community-based clean energy projects in each Minnesota CERT region. Clean energy projects can include energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, electric vehicle-related projects, and energy storage.
- Encourage projects that are highly visible in the community and can be an example for other communities.
- We are especially looking for projects that:
- Help people learn about clean energy and get energized.
- Build community by engaging a variety of community partners.
- Remove barriers, making clean energy more accessible for everyone.
Read the Request for Proposals for the full criteria and eligibility, and contact us with questions anytime: [email protected]
Regional Funding Available
Each region had its own pool of funding and its own steering committee that selects projects for funding. See map of our regions.
We call these grants “seed grants” because they are small amounts of money meant to get a project started and inspire others to support the project. Projects may receive $5,000-$10,000 for labor and minor materials and supplies.
Funding for these projects is provided through the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Division of Energy Resources and the Morgan Family Foundation.
Seed Grant Timeline
- August 2023: CERTs issues the Request for Proposals and begins accepting applications.
- August-Oct. 10, 2023: Let’s talk! CERTs staff are available to assist applicants with seed grant ideas, questions, and applications.
- Oct. 10, 2023 at noon: Final deadline for applications.
- Oct. 12-Nov. 17, 2023: Steering Committees review applications and meet to determine project funding.
- Nov.-Dec. 2023: CERTs notifies applicants of funding decisions.
- Dec. 2023: Once the contract is complete, organizations receive an email notifying them when they can begin work.
- Late Jan. 2024: CERTs public announcement of awards.
- June 3, 2024 at 4 p.m.: Interim report due. Projects may also submit an interim invoice for up to 50% of the full project award. Any project that has not begun work may have funding revoked. Funds will be redirected to other project(s) in the region.
- Jan. 13, 2025 at 4 p.m.: Final invoice and final report due. Project work must be completed.
- Upon completion of the project: CERTs will work with seed grant recipients to develop project case studies and stories.