AUGUSTA — The administration of Gov. Janet Mills recently announced the opening of three grant opportunities available to communities across Maine.
These would address climate change effects through investments to improve energy efficiency, transition to clean energy, expand local and regional planning capacity, and protect infrastructure from damaging storms or rising sea levels.
These grants will be awarded to Maine cities, towns and Tribal governments through the state’s Community Resilience Partnership, which helps communities plan for climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and increase resilience to climate effects.
Open grant opportunities include:
Community Action Grants (up to $50,000) — These grants will enable eligible communities to implement projects that reduce energy use and costs, transition to clean energy, and make communities in Maine more resilient to climate change. This round of grants is open to enrolled communities that have not yet received a Community Action Grant award.
The next round of Community Action Grants in the fall of 2024 will open to all enrolled communities. Applications are due March 29, 2024. An informational webinar is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Energy Efficiency Priorities Grants (up to $100,000) — This is a one-time grant offering through the Community Resilience Partnership to distribute federal funds to disadvantaged communities for projects that improve energy efficiency and implement clean energy systems. GOPIF anticipates making 10 awards of approximately $100,000 each to eligible communities through a competitive Request for Applications process.
To be eligible, communities must be enrolled in the Partnership and be designated as “disadvantaged” by the federal EPA CEJST tool. Applications are due Feb. 16. An informational webinar will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 20.
Service Provider Grants — These are grants to service provider organizations to assist communities to prepare for and enroll in the Community Resilience Partnership and then apply for grant funds to undertake priority projects. Applications are due Feb. 2. An informational webinar will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 20.
For more information about the Partnership and these grant opportunities, visit the Community Resilience Partnership website.
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