Passed in August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents the most significant federal investment in combating the climate crisis and bolstering American energy security in our nation’s history. Combined with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which also supports climate-focused transportation and infrastructure projects, the Midwest has a tremendous opportunity to advance clean energy and resiliency initiatives. These laws offer a powerful toolkit for local, state, and Tribal governments; schools, colleges, and universities; houses of worship, housing providers, and many others.
However, a recent federal funding freeze initiated by the Trump administration has introduced uncertainty and put numerous climate-related projects supported by the IRA and BIL in a state of limbo. This freeze impacts a wide range of initiatives, from solar energy deployment to clean energy research and development, creating a capacity gap for those seeking to leverage these vital funds. While legal challenges are being mounted against the freeze, the future of these projects remains unclear.
Recognizing the complexities of navigating this evolving landscape and the “firehose” of federal funding opportunities, we offer resources and support, including our Federal Funding Fridays, to help communities access and implement these crucial programs. We are committed to helping stakeholders understand the current situation, including the implications of the funding freeze, and identify potential next steps as the situation develops. See below for resources. We will continue to update this page as we learn more.
In the meantime, know that you are not alone in these efforts and that the work you do remains valuable. Thank you!
Federal Funding Fridays
Meet and talk with others in the Midwest about the status of the federal funding landscape as it relates to climate action, federal grant opportunities as they re-emerge, philanthropic opportunities, deadlines, and grant compliance/processes. Also come to find connections with potential project partners and how to utilize the MCC to pool resources and share best practices.
Fridays at 9am CT / 10am ET
To see a list of past and upcoming featured guests, click here
1/03/25 – Happy New Year!
12/20/24 – That’s a wrap! Latest Funding Opportunities to close out the year – see you in 2025!
12/13/24 – Navigating the IRA Landscape in a Time of Uncertainty
12/06/24 – EPA Grantmakers Region 5 Finally Open! Plus more funding opportunities and resources inside
11/22/24 – Free Grant Training Offerings from MCC & SUIE!
Do you offer resources or technical assistance to support applicants for federal funds in the Midwest (through grants or direct / elective pay)?
We are collecting information on available resources, technical assistance providers, and networks to serve applicants in the Midwest. If you are available to support applicants applying for federal funds or financing for climate projects please fill out this form so we can help connect more applicants to helpful resources.
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 Power a Clean Future Ohio 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 18, 2024.
CDFIs and Green Funding
June 14, 2024
IFF, a mission-driven lender, developer, and consultant serving the Midwest region discussed their role and the role of CDFIs in supporting nonprofits, particularly in real estate development and energy efficiency projects. These services are valuable in helping leverage funds from the Inflation Reduction Act’s investment in clean energy and environmental justice.
Direct/ Elective Pay Webinars
Lawyers for Good Government
Jan. 25, 2024
Learn the basics and get a deeper dive in this series of webinars from Lawyers for Good Government designed to show local governments how they can take advantage of new provisions in the tax code and receive funding for clean energy projects, as a tax-exempt entity.
Building Capacity for Equity: How Buildings UP Can Transform the Midwest
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
June 8, 2023
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.
Positioning farmers and rural businesses for clean energy leadership
Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute
May 12, 2023
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
A New Era for Rural Electric Cooperatives in Missouri
Renew Missouri
May 1, 2023
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
A webinar that covers the ins and outs of the Inflation Reduction Act for all Missourians:
Includes 1.8 CLE credit hours!
Feb. 14, 2023
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
Roundtable Discussion: Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act in Missouri
MOST Policy Initiative & Washington University Climate Change Program
Nov. 8, 2022
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
Building a Better Future: Demystifying the IRA
Building Exchange
Oct. 26, 2022
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
Leveraging Federal Funding for Climate Justice in Midwestern Frontline Communities
Heath & Environmental Funders Network
Sept. 30, 2022
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.
Update on Farm Policy After the Inflation Reduction Act
University of Illinois Farmdoc
Sept. 29, 2022
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
Understanding the most significant climate legislation in US history
Environmental Resilience Institute at IU
Sept. 27, 2022
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
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