Grant application guidelines
Objective
This grant program, which is based in Arizona, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, seeks to foster public conversations about the impact of energy in our everyday lives and our environment, including climate, air, water, and land. In doing so, we will demonstrate the importance and value of energy choice, energy equity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
Program funding details for The Energy of One, The Power of Many Program.
Strategy
EarthShare is looking for grantees that can make the complex topic of energy accessible and easily approachable by synthesizing information around broad topic areas that tend to confuse the public such as energy policies, energy sources, energy impact, and energy options. We are encouraging projects that address equity, just transition, and job training in the sustainable energy field. Using funding level ranges and program criteria, the grant program will promote innovative approaches to education and outreach, new and existing collaborative relationships, and momentum across subsequent years.
Grant evaluation
A basic underpinning of each grant will be an outward-facing communication plan, with results reported to EarthShare as part of interim progress and final reporting (see Grantee Reporting) and tracked by EarthShare. Communication and outreach vehicles with targeted distributions might include the following:
- Printed educational materials, such as handouts and posters
- Online educational materials, such as blog posts and websites
- Community events, both virtual and in-person when safe
- Social media postings
Projects should address at least one of the following topics:
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Energy sources and impacts
- Energy options and choices
- Energy equity
- Energy policies
- Just transition and job training
- Community choice aggregation, particularly in low-income communities
- Energy costs, particularly lowering them through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and financial education
Key dates
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
The 2022 grant period is now closed
GRANT AWARDEES ANNOUNCED
July 2022
Grantee reporting
Reporting from grantee projects will be submitted according to the following guidelines:
- A mid-term progress report will be due 90 days from the date of the grant award, to include a simple update with any relevant marketing, promotional, or social media metrics available, as well as any photos, video, graphics, or other story-sharing examples/materials
- A final report will be due within 30 days following the end of the grant period, to include:
- Results of project
- Proof of performance, including copies of elements, publications, as well as any photos, video, graphics, or other story-sharing examples/materials
- Analytical reports (impressions, distribution, etc.)
- Financial report
Eligibility
Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status
- Grassroots groups that are not incorporated must secure an eligible nonprofit organization that can accept the funds for their group and who will serve as the “fiscal sponsor”
- Partnership collaborations are encouraged, but the grantee must have 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor
SPECIFIC MARKETS | Projects must benefit one or more of these metropolitan areas:
- AZ: Phoenix, Tucson
- PA: Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
- MD: Baltimore, Annapolis
Grant award
Funding Levels and Grant Period
Funding amounts will vary with an anticipated mix of grantees: nationally led, regionally or locally led receiving funding support. Funding can be requested for more than one market and will range as follows:
- National nonprofit led: $25,000 to $50,000
- Local and regional nonprofit led: $5,000 to $20,000
These ranges are provided as a guide but are not restrictive.
The granting period will be for six-month programs, with a potential opportunity for renewal grants. An independent grant selection committee will review and make decisions on the grant awardees.
Grant application form