Funding Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Energy makes funding available through competitive funding opportunity announcements (FOAs), published on Grants.gov and the EERE Exchange. To get started, watch DOE's Information Session Series with recorded videos explaining the VTO FOA process and application components.

Securing project funding is critical to the success of Clean Cities and Communities efforts to implement alternative fuels, advanced vehicle technologies, and fuel-saving strategies. Funding opportunities are available from many sources inside and outside the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) has awarded more than $570 million through the Technology Integration Program to fund hundreds of projects across the country that advance deployment of efficient and sustainable transportation technologies. Clean Cities and Communities stakeholders have played critical roles in the success of these projects. Learn more about funded projects.

Open Funding Opportunities

Current funding opportunities that may be of interest to Clean Cities and Communities stakeholders, including VTO funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) issued by the U.S. Department of Energy, are listed below when available. To suggest adding a funding opportunity to this list, contact us.

FY24 VTO Technology Integration FOA DE-FOA-0003250

The funding will drive innovation in equitable clean transportation and is aligned with strategies detailed in the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Topic areas for this FOA include: Clean Cities Outreach, Engagement, and Technical Assistance; Training on Zero Emission Vehicle and Infrastructure Technologies for Critical Emergency Response Workers; and Clean Transportation Demonstration and Deployment.

Type: FOA
Program: DOE Vehicle Technologies Office Technology Integration Program
Concept Deadline: March 12, 2024
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

2024 Prioritization Process Pilot Program

The purpose of Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) is to support data-driven approaches to planning that, upon completion, can be evaluated for public benefit. In addition, the program provides funding to develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent prioritization process for the ranking and selection of projects for inclusion in short-range and long-range transportation plans for state or metropolitan areas.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) seeks to award projects that address environmental justice, barriers to opportunity, vulnerable users, transparent public involvement, complete streets, freight, and system condition and reliability. FHWA will award no more than $10 million in total ($2 million maximum per award), subject to availability, in each fiscal year for prioritization process pilots that meet the eligibility requirements.

Type: Grant
Program: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Eligibility: Eligible applicants for PPPP discretionary grants are (1) MPOs that serve a census delineated urban area with a population of over 200,000, and (2) States. (Section 11204(a)(1) of BIL) The term “metropolitan planning organization” has the meaning given the term in Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 134(b). (Section 11204 of BIL)

Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition

The Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition will fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source emissions (criteria pollutants, air toxics, and/or greenhouse gases) at U.S. ports, delivering cleaner air for communities across the country.

Type: Grant
Program: EPA Clean Ports Program
Application Deadline: May 28, 2024
Eligibility: Port authorities; State, regional, local, or Tribal agencies that have jurisdiction over a port authority or a port; Air pollution control agencies; and Private entities that: a. apply for a grant in a Statutory Partnership and b. own, operate, or use the facilities, cargo-handling equipment, transportation equipment, or related technology of a port (see the notice of funding opportunity for full eligibility requirements)

Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy

This FOA will support eligible local governments and Tribes to implement projects that provide direct community benefits, spark additional investments, meet community-identified priorities, and build local capacity. Community benefits may include creation of local economic opportunities for workers, workforce measures and agreements, community revitalization, lowered energy burdens, increased access to renewable energy, improved air quality, increased public participation in energy decision-making processes, and improved quality of life for local residents. Projects may span a range of geographic scopes and wide variety of technology areas including, but not limited to: building efficiency and/or electrification, electric transportation, energy infrastructure upgrades, microgrid development and deployment, renewable energy, resilience hubs, and workforce development.

View the C-SITE Eligibility Map.

Type: FOA
Program: DOE State and Community Energy Programs
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include federally recognized Tribes, disadvantaged communities, energy communities, and small- and medium-sized jurisdictions. The map linked above provides an illustrative view of eligible communities.

Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program

The Federal Transit Administration announced the opportunity to apply for $49 million in competitive grants under the Fiscal Year 2024 Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program (ELEF) (Federal Assistance Listing #20.532). ELEF makes funding available competitively to assist in the financing of capital projects for the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or on-board energy storage systems and related charging infrastructure to reduce emissions or produce zero onboard emissions under normal operation.

Type: Grant
Program: FTA Ferry Programs
Application Deadline: June 17, 2024
Eligibility: State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), and any eligible recipient of 5307 or 5311 funding.

FY2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Research & Development Funding Opportunity Announcement

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) seeks research projects to address priorities in the following areas: the increase in energy density of battery cells containing phosphate-based cathodes; the development of innovative technologies capable of significantly decreasing greenhouse gases; the production and manufacturing of new high-performance E–steels using domestic resources; the advancement of state of the art Na-ion batteries; the improvement of efficiency and convenience of the mobility-system using V2X; the development of planning tools and/or models to identify, quantify, and assess the impact of convenience strategies on regions and/or communities; addressing vulnerabilities and potential cybersecurity threats posed by the nature of EVs and charging infrastructure integrated with the grid, to improve fuel economy and reduce GHG emissions with the goals of carbon pollution free electricity by 2035 and net-zero of GHG emissions by 2050.

Type: FOA
Program: DOE Vehicle Technologies Office
Concept Deadline: May 2, 2024
Application Deadline: June 24, 2024
Eligibility: The following types of domestic entities are eligible to participate as a prime recipient or subrecipient of this FOA: 1. Institutions of higher education; 2. For-profit entities; 3. Nonprofit entities; and 4. State and local governmental entities and federally recognized Indian Tribes.

Communities Taking Charge Accelerator

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, through the U.S. Department of Energy, has made available $54 million in new federal funding for projects that will expand community e-mobility access and provide clean reliable energy. The funding will drive innovation in equitable clean transportation and is aligned with strategies detailed in the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. This program will make strategic investments at the local level that address key barriers to expanding access to electrified mobility options for individuals without home charging; accelerate the transition to electrified fleets; and mature the implementation of managed charging systems to mitigate impacts and optimize usage of the grid.

Type: FOA
Program: Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
Concept Deadline: May 20, 2024
Application Deadline: July 16, 2024
Eligibility: The following types of domestic entities are eligible to participate as a prime recipient or subrecipient of this FOA: 1. Institutions of higher education; 2. For-profit entities; 3. Non-profit entities; and 4. State and local governmental entities and Indian Tribes.

Connect with a Clean Cities and Communities coalition for information about current or potential Clean Cities and Communities project partnerships and relevant funding opportunities.

FOAs are also listed on Grants.gov, the portal for numerous grant programs administered by federal government agencies, and the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Exchange for all EERE FOAs.

Requests for Information also create an opportunity for Clean Cities and Communities partners to share information that may be used for planning and decision-making purposes, including but not limited to determining potential new areas of focus, funding opportunities, analyses, and organizational frameworks.

Laws and Incentives

The Alternative Fuels Data Center maintains a comprehensive database of Federal and State Laws and Incentives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, air quality, fuel efficiency, and other transportation-related topics.

Other Funding Opportunities

Transportation-related funding opportunities from organizations and federal agencies outside of DOE are listed below. Some of the government agencies listed have ongoing funding opportunities available; others issue funding notices periodically or assist in forming partnerships that can provide funding opportunities for transportation-related projects.

U.S. Department of Transportation

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program: Administered by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, CMAQ funds projects and programs that reduce transportation-related emissions and relieve traffic congestion. Funds are distributed locally through metropolitan planning organizations.
Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP): The FLAP was established to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within federal lands. The program supplements state and local resources for public roads, transit systems, and other transportation facilities, with an emphasis on high-use recreation sites and economic generators.
Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) Program: The VALE Program is designed to reduce sources of airport ground emissions. The program provides funding for fueling and charging stations, low-emission vehicles, and other airport air quality improvements.
Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program: The TIGGER Program works with public transit agencies to implement strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use from transit agency operations.

EERE Exchange

EERE Exchange is an informational hub that hosts funding opportunities administered by DOE's EERE. EERE Exchange is the only location where organizations can apply for EERE funding opportunities online. Search for open funding opportunity announcements on EERE Exchange.

Environmental Protection Agency

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Funding: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides funding for emissions and idle reduction devices, vehicle replacements, and alternative fuel options and other strategies that reduce diesel emissions.
Grants and Funding Opportunities: EPA provides links to grant programs and information about applying for EPA grants.
EPA Regions: EPA regional offices can issue funding for projects in their respective geographic areas.
Environmental Education Grants Program: EPA's Office of Environmental Education supports projects that enhance public awareness, knowledge, and skills to help citizens make informed decisions that affect environmental quality.
EPA National Center for Environmental Research Funding Opportunities: This website contains EPA funding opportunities for research, including grants and fellowships, as well as past and present research projects and programs.

Grants.gov

Grants.gov is an information hub for numerous funding opportunities administered by federal government agencies. Grants.gov allows organizations to search and apply for competitive funding opportunities online. Search for open funding announcement opportunities on Grants.gov.

National Science Foundation

Smart & Connected Communities (S&CC): The National Science Foundation's S&CC program supports the creation of scientific and engineering foundations that will enable smart and connected communities. The program provides funding for a variety of integrative research areas including energy and transportation and mobility.

State Energy Offices

State energy offices research, demonstrate, and support the adoption of alternative fuel, renewable energy, and energy-efficient technologies; spur energy-related economic development; and promote energy security and emergency preparedness. These offices can help you identify potential sources for project funding. Find your state energy office from the National Association of State Energy Officials website.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Explore additional funding opportunities from federal government agencies:

Grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
Loan guarantees for clean energy projects from the DOE Loan Programs Office.

Requests for Information

Current transportation-related Requests for Information are listed below when available. To suggest adding a Request for Information to this list, contact us.

No active Requests for Information are available at this time.