Access Funding for Local Clean Energy Projects!
Communities participating in the program can earn funding in three main ways: Designation Grants, Points-Based Grants, and Action Grants for specific All grant awards greater than $7500 are eligible for additional funding through NYSERDA if the project benefits a Disadvantaged Community.
When you submit documentation for actions completed, you will be notified by email if your community qualifies for a grant award. Your Clean Energy Communities Coordinator can help make a pathway to grant funding based on your communities’ priorities and capacity.
The three main types of grants available are:
Designation Grants - Newly participating communities are eligible for funding when they complete just a few actions.
Points Grants - Communites earn points for completing grants, earning funding at various levels.
Action Grants - The Community Campaigns action awards points and funding for engaging residents.
Already earned a grant or planning for one? Check out our Grant Guidelines page to see pre-approved project types and examples, and requirements for use of funding.
Designation Grants For Newly Participating Communities
Communities that have not yet participated in the Clean Energy Communities can earn a one-time Designation Grant. Communities can complete any four actions to receive a no cost-share grant of $5,000 from NYSERDA. Communities that have previously participated in the program that received this grant in previous rounds are ineligible for this grant.
Communities that have participated in the past are eligible for a one-time, no-cost-share grant award of $10,000.
Communities are eligible for both grants when they start participating in the program. Learn how your municipality can take clean energy action and earn funding here.
Points-Based Grants for achievement in the program
Local governments earn points in the CEC program for every action they complete. By earning points in the program, your municipality is eligible for progressively larger grant awards. Funding amounts vary by size of the community, but all communities can earn funds by participating.
Grant awards can be put towards other CCE-qualifying action items or other clean energy projects. See what your community can achieve with a CEC Grant by contacting a CEC Coordinator.
Communities can earn points by completing actions in the program. Each action carries its own point value. Communities earn different amounts of funding based on population.
Action Grants for engaging your community on clean energy solutions
The Community Campaigns have additional grant funding that is unlocked for completing that action. Communities that complete one of these actions can submit for additional grant funding, even if they are not eligible for a points-based grant.
Additional funding for projects in disadvantaged communities
Providing benefits to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) is a key priority of both the 2017 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the 2022 Scoping Plan. As a result, grant projects that take place in areas defined as DACs may qualify for additional funding. Municipalities can receive up to half the amount of the initial grant award in additional funding for projects located in a DAC.
For instance, a community that earns a $10,000 grant for earning 1,000 points or more in the program could be eligible for an additional $5,000 for select projects. Work with your Clean Energy Communities Coordinator to make sure your project is providing benefits to critical populations.
NYSERDA has made available a tool for determining which census tracts qualify as DACs. Click below to see if your community qualifies for additional funding.