This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is for the launch of a new annual program, issued by the US Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). This funding opportunity, titled Communities Sparking Investments in Transformative Energy (C-SITE), supports SCEP’s overall mission and is funded through SCEP’s Local Government Energy Program (LGEP). LGEP will provide direct financial awards and technical assistance to recipients through this FOA, as well as capacity-building support through additional upcoming technical assistance offerings.

This funding opportunity provides an anticipated $18 million for local governments and federally recognized Indian Tribes to implement municipally- or Tribal-led high-impact clean energy projects in disadvantaged communities, energy communities, small- and medium-sized jurisdictions, and Tribal communities. DOE retains the right to make partial awards and to reallocate funds in the event of undersubscription, ineligibility and/or increased program funds.

Program Goals

• Deliver direct local community benefits of clean energy, such as reduced energy costs and improved air quality, through implementation of community-led energy projects or programs.
• Spark additional investments in communities that create long-term local economic development opportunities and support community revitalization.
• Advance community-identified energy priorities and right to self-determination.
• Build capacity and partnerships in local governments and Tribes.

For this new program, DOE provides one topic area for all applicants to invite a broad range of diverse projects illustrating a variety of technologies, approaches, and models tailored to local community contexts and poised to spark additional investments in their communities. Projects may span a range of geographic scopes and wide variety of technology areas, including, but not limited to, building efficiency and/or electrification, clean transportation, energy infrastructure upgrades, microgrid development and deployment, renewable energy, and workforce development. All projects must include meaningful community engagement.

While partnerships are not required, DOE will prioritize projects with clear demonstrated support from local community partners and relevant decision-makers, as well as projects proposing significant benefits to workers and local residents, and the ability to spur local economic development or community revitalization, utilize existing community assets or transform liabilities into assets, and spark additional investments.

Eligible Applicants

Per Congress, eligible prime recipients for this FOA are restricted to local governments or Tribal governments representing ANY of the following kinds of communities:

1. Disadvantaged communities;
2. Energy communities;
3. Small- and medium-sized jurisdictions.

Cost Share

The cost share requirement for this FOA is reduced to 5% and may be met through staff time, municipal or Tribal budgets, philanthropic funds, or other contributions from a third-party entity to support project implementation or increase impact. The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law and may also be met through the contribution of in-kind services that advance the proposed project.