Overview of the National Clean Investment Fund
The National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) is a $14 billion competitive grant program that will provide grants to national nonprofit clean financing institutions capable of partnering with the private sector to provide accessible, affordable financing for tens of thousands of clean technology projects across the country.
The NCIF is part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which was established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The GGRF is a $27 billion program that will support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, deliver benefits to American communities — with at least 40% of capital flowing into low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The NCIF is designed to help accelerate the deployment of clean technologies, such as solar and wind energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles. The program will also help to create jobs and boost economic growth in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Who is eligible for the National Clean Investment Fund?
The NCIF is open to national nonprofit clean financing institutions. These institutions have a proven track record of providing financing for clean technology projects and a strong commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Applications must be submitted by an individual applicant or a lead applicant of a coalition that has not already submitted an application to the NCIF as an individual applicant or a lead applicant of a coalition.
How to apply to the National Clean Investment Fund?
The NCIF grant competition will be held in two phases.
First phase: Applicants will submit proposals that describe their proposed financing program and how it will meet the goals of the NCIF.
Second phase: A select group of applicants will be invited to submit full applications.
The NCIF grant competition will be administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA will evaluate grant proposals based on a number of factors, including the alignment of the proposed program with the goals of the NCIF, the technical feasibility of the program, the community support for the program, the cost-effectiveness of the program, and the equity and inclusion of the program.
If your organization is interested in participating in the NCIF competition, application packages are due by October 12, 2023, at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) through Grants.gov. For answers to common questions about the NCIF competition, visit their Frequently Asked Questions page. If you need further information, contact out ggrf@epa.gov.
Need grant writing support?
FORWARD provides free consulting and grant writing services to help you strategize and acquire new opportunities to drive access and equity in your community.
Supercharge your inbox!
Sign up for IRA Climate Action Alerts to see more opportunities like this one and resources to drive green energy in your communities.
