– Cost Share for Federal Clean Energy Funding Opportunities
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking cost share funding for federal clean energy projects. Applicants must apply for an eligible federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) or continue research from a previously awarded federal grant under specific prior programs. The Energy Commission funds projects in California only. Cost sharing is mandatory for all awards under this solicitation.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for organizations seeking cost share funding for federal clean energy projects. Applicants must apply for an eligible federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) or continue research from a previously awarded federal grant under specific prior programs. The Energy Commission funds projects in California only. Cost sharing is mandatory for all awards under this solicitation.
Program description
The purpose of this solicitation is to provide cost share funding to applicants that apply for and receive one of the following: An award under an eligible federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and meet the requirements of this solicitation, or Follow-on funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to continue research from a previously awarded federal grant that also received Energy Commission federal cost share funding under PON-14-308, GFO-18-902, or this GFO and the proposed project meets the requirements of this solicitation. Continuously Updated Eligible Cost Share Opportunities Before applying, applicants are encouraged to check Eligibility Requirements in Section II of this solicitation. As new eligible cost share opportunities are released, the Energy Commission will revise this document with corresponding information on how to apply for cost share for that funding opportunity. Information on currently eligible funding opportunities can be found in the Eligible Federal Funding Opportunities section of the Eligibility Requirements (Section II.A.). The Energy Commission will provide cost share only to applicants that are applying for a federal funding opportunity or follow-on funding as described above. If the applicant has already received a federal award or follow-on funding and is seeking retroactive cost share, that application will not be eligible for CEC cost share funds under this solicitation.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Details
This grant is for organizations seeking cost share funding for federal clean energy projects. Applicants must apply for an eligible federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) or continue research from a previously awarded federal grant under specific prior programs. The Energy Commission funds projects in California only. Cost sharing is mandatory for all awards under this solicitation.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form for this cost share opportunity
- Documentation of the federal funding application or award
- Proof of cost share commitment (matching funds)
- Project narrative describing alignment with federal program
- Budget narrative and cost allocation
Program contact
- 📧 Marissa.Sutton@energy.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-237-2515
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | — | — | — |
| 2022-2023 | — | — | — |
| 2023-2024 | — | — | — |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
What is the purpose of this cost share funding?
It provides matching funds to applicants receiving awards from eligible federal clean energy programs. This helps reduce the local match requirement applicants face.
Which federal programs are eligible for this cost share?
The solicitation lists specific eligible FOAs and prior Energy Commission programs (PON-14-308, GFO-18-902). Check the Eligible Federal Funding Opportunities section in the solicitation before applying.
Can I apply retroactively after receiving a federal award?
No. You must apply for cost share before or while pursuing the federal award. Retroactive applications are not eligible.
What is the funding amount available?
The total pool is $20 million. Individual award amounts vary by opportunity and are not specified in this solicitation.
Is there a deadline?
This uses rolling acceptance. Applications are reviewed continuously as new eligible federal opportunities arise and the solicitation is updated.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Identify an eligible federal funding opportunity BEFORE applying for cost share under this program.
- Review the solicitation's Section II.A. for the current list of eligible federal programs and requirements.
- Check the Energy Commission's website regularly for updates as new federal opportunities become eligible.
- Align your project timeline with both the federal deadline and this cost share deadline.
- Document your cost share commitment carefully in both the federal and state applications.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying for cost share without an approved federal award or pending eligible federal application. Waiting until after receiving a federal award to apply for cost share. Misunderstanding which federal programs qualify for this matching funding.
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