Passed in August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the most aggressive action to combat the climate crisis and improve American energy security in our nation’s history. To learn more about IRA, see below. Funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) also supports transportation and other infrastructure projects to support climate goals. Between IRA, BIL, and other sources of federal funds, the Midwest can advance important clean energy and resiliency projects. We recognize there is a capacity gap to accessing and implementing these funds which is why we host Federal Funding Fridays to navigate the firehose of federal funds and have listed resources below to help support local, state, and Tribal governments; schools, colleges, and universities; houses of worship, housing providers, and many others to leverage these funds.
Below are a collection of resources from MCC members and non-members explaining the potential impact of the IRA for the Midwest and how these states can take advantage of its opportunities and incentives. Stay tuned as we continue to add more resources!
Federal Funding Fridays
Meet and talk with others in the Midwest about upcoming federal grant opportunities, deadlines, grant processes, and potential partners as well how to utilize the MCC to pool resources and share best practices.
Fridays at 9am CT / 10am ET
Inflation Reduction Act
A quick overview of where things stand as of October 1, 2023
How do CPRGs work?
- 8 of the 12 Midwestern states received $3 million in non-competitive funding for climate action planning, which set them, and their communities, up for $4.6 billion in Phase 2 implementation funds.
- MSAs (metropolitan statistical areas) received $1 million in non-competitive funding, if they submitted a planning grant application.
- See who is receiving funds here. We are actively adding more agencies and CPRG leads as we learn of them so feel free to update this sheet with additional information.
- Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAP ): developing implementation-ready projects
- Programs and projects used and explained in this are eligible for CPRG funding
- Due March 1, 2024
- If you have climate goals, make sure they’re considered in your state or MSA’s plans to be eligible for future funding.
Midwest Resources
IN Resilience Funding Hub
The Indiana Resilience Funding Hub (IRFH), jointly administered by ERI and the IU Center for Rural Engagement, helps Hoosier communities pursue federal funding opportunities for climate, energy, and resilience projects.
Region 7 Community Information Guide
Provides the latest news and information on funding and technical assistance opportunities, meetings, conferences, events, webinars, and other activities related to human health and the environment.
IRA Resource Hub
The PCFO Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Resource Hub aims to provide Ohio local governments and community members with the resources they need to take advantage of historic opportunities provided through landmark legislation.
IRA resources for local gov’ts, nonprofits & schools
Check out resources on direct pay, EJ grants, and more with this helpful resource from Dane County, Wisconsin.
Tech. Assistance and Fed. Funding info
Pro-bono technical assistance and resources to apply for federal grants are available through EPN, a network of EPA alumni. Community outreach associates for Regions 5, 7, and 8 are connected to MCC and ready to assist!
AFFORD Tool to “shop” for funding opps
One of our favorite tools for comparing funding opportunities based on the type of entity, program, and assistance needed.
Webinars
This list was last updated on June 8, 2023.
Building Capacity for Equity: How Buildings UP Can Transform the Midwest
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office (BTO), Buildings UP aims to build capacity to rapidly and equitably transform U.S. buildings through energy efficiency and efficient electrification updates, with a particular focus on frontline communities. During this webinar, we will delve into how Buildings UP can specifically benefit the Midwest region, how it can support sustainable and equitable building practices and guidance on how to apply successfully. Join MEEA and ACEEE in learning more about this important federal funding opportunity!
Leveraging Federal Funding for Climate Justice in Midwestern Frontline Communities
Heath & Environmental Funders Network
This webinar highlights timely federal funding applications and decision-making points that will be critical for Midwestern participants working on climate justice issues and suggest concrete actions to help ensure frontline communities benefit from the public funding programs.
A webinar that covers the ins and outs of the Inflation Reduction Act for all Missourians:
Includes 1.8 CLE credit hours!
Join MCC member, Renew Missouri for a special webinar where we discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act will impact Missouri. This is for anyone who is interested what rebates, tax credits, and loans are available for homeowners, nonprofits, and businesses from the IRA.
*MCC Member
Update on Farm Policy After the Inflation Reduction Act
University of Illinois Farmdoc
The recent Inflation Reduction Act includes several agricultural provisions including conservation, energy programs, and farm debt relief. Learn more about the impact on agriculture included in this legislation and explanation of what this means as the expiration of the current farm bill approaches.
*MCC Member
Building a Better Future: Demystifying the IRA
Building Exchange
Become familiar with the local and national implications of the Inflation Reduction Act for building decarbonization with perspectives across New York City, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. during this online webinar, featuring an overview of the legislation, interviews with policy experts, and an audience Q+A session.
*MCC Member
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: Takeaways for the Clean Energy Sector
The National Law Review & MINTZ
This discussion of the energy tax provisions in the Act was led by Anne Levin-Nussbaum, a Member in our Energy & Sustainability and Tax Practices. It also included Neal Martin, Senior Director of Government Relations, ML Strategies, and Courtney Taylor, Senior Vice President, ML Strategies, who reviewed the Act’s new direct funding opportunities and offers insights regarding the implementation of such funding programs.
Renew America’s Nonprofits Informational Webinar Session
Department of Energy
Learn more about the Renew America’s Nonprofits program which will award grant money to nonprofits for energy efficiency improvements.
Passcode: &@02a=U4
A New Era for Rural Electric Cooperatives in Missouri
Renew Missouri
The Inflation Reduction Act set aside billions of dollars to help them to transition from one of the most coal-reliant utilities in the country to a clean energy future. But how does this law work and how can Missouri RECs take full advantage. Renew Missouri, one of the groups that successfully pushed for this law, will break it down. You will learn about the IRA and a little about how RECs in Missouri work as well.
Passcode: &@02a=U4
Positioning farmers and rural businesses for clean energy leadership
Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute
Join ERI, the Center for Rural Engagement, and USDA-Rural Development for a review of opportunities for farmers, landowners, and rural small businesses to take advantage of clean energy.
*MCC Member
Understanding the most significant climate legislation in US history
Environmental Resilience Institute at IU
During this virtual event, a panel of distinguished policy experts from the EPA, Energy Innovation, and the IU Maurer School of Law discussed the significance and potential impact of the law.
*MCC Member
Roundtable Discussion: Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act in Missouri
MOST Policy Initiative & Washington University Climate Change Program
This roundtable discussion will brought together researchers and other experts to discuss the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act in Missouri. Panelists overviewed how these federal funds will be disbursed with specific focus on how they will be used to advance climate action in the state of Missouri.
*MCC Member
EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: State, territory, local, & tribal gov’t introductory webinar
Environmental Protection Agency
Introductory webinar with information about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. These are two-stage programs, and this webinar gives a thorough introduction with program guidance.
Articles + Fact Sheets
White House State Fact Sheets
The White House state fact sheets highlight how the Inflation Reduction Act tackles the climate crisis in each state and how families and communities can benefit from a clean energy future.
Local Infrastructure Hub
The Local Infrastructure Hub is a national program designed to connect cities and towns with the resources and expert advice they need to access federal infrastructure funding to drive local progress, improve communities, and deliver results for residents.
Deep dive on the IRA’s impact on conservation programs
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
The NSAC blog post examines how the IRA will affect agriculture through a deep dive into four key conservation programs, climate targeting, rural development, and more.
Evergreen Action State Fact Sheets
Evergreen Action has put together fact sheets that clarify how state leaders can take full advantage of all the discretionary funding in the IRA and how the programs established in this new law align with their existing climate and environmental justice strategies. Midwestern states with fact sheets include Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Additional fact sheets are still being added.
Open Grants
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Grant
The first step to applying for a grant through the Mott Foundation is to submit a letter of inquiry form. For more information, and to view the full details, click below.
The Joyce Foundation Grant
Grants are accepted all year long, and the process typically takes between 4 and 6 months after the letter of inquiry is initially submitted. Click below for more information!
The Park Foundation
To begin, submit a letter of inquiry by the specified date (deadlines on a quarterly basis). After submitting, wait to be contacted by a staff member. See below for more information.
The Kresge Foundation Grant
The Kresge Foundation awards grants in the following areas: American Cities, Arts & Culture, Detroit, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, and Social Investment Practice. Click below for more information!
Have more information you think should be on this page?
Contact Heather Navarro